Dissecting the Acute Oral Toxicity Profile of Spondias pinnata (Linn. F.) Kurz Aqueous Seed Extract in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Spondias pinnata (Linn. F.) Kurz., commonly known as hog plum, is utilized in traditional medicine for its purported therapeutic properties. Despite its widespread use, comprehensive toxicological assessments of its seed extract remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the acute toxicity profiles of Spondias pinnata seed extract in Wistar rats to ensure its safety for medicinal applications.

Methods: Acute toxicity was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423 by giving a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight of the seed extract to female Wistar rats. The rats were monitored for 14 days to check for any signs of adverse effects or mortality. Throughout the study, parameters such as clinical signs, body weight changes, food and water consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathological examinations of vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, and spleen) were monitored and analyzed.

Results: In the acute toxicity study, no mortality or significant behavioral changes were observed in rats administered up to 2000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin for acute exposure. Spondias pinnata seed extract did not produce any significant adverse effects on body weight, food and water intake, hematological, renal, or liver function indices compared to the control group. Histological assessment of vitals and reproductive organs showed normal cellular architecture; only liver showed minor signs of inflammation, with few lymphocytic infiltrates in both the control and treatment groups, but it did not show any toxicological relevance to the extract.

Conclusion: The acute toxicity study’s result suggests that the LD₅₀ value of aqueous seed extract of Spondias pinnata was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg, b.w. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of Spondias pinnata seeds and suggest that the aqueous extract is relatively safe for further pharmacological and clinical evaluations within the doses and period of investigation in this study. However, long-term toxicity studies are recommended to fully establish its safety profile.