Study on semi-chronic toxicity of oral administration of extract of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, Moraceae in mice

Abstract

     Many studies have demonstrated the effects of breadfruit leaf extract such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunosuppressive. The aim of this work was to study on the semi-chronic toxicity of oral administration of the extract of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, Moraceae in mice to assess its safety. The hot water extraction method was conducted to obtain the extract. Repeated dose 90-day − oral semi-chronic toxicity study in mice was investigated based on “Guidelines for preclinical and clinical trials of traditional medicines and herbal medicines” of Ministry of Health and OECD 408 guidance. At the doses of  250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg (breadfruit extract/ mouse body weight), mice were healthy and their weight increased weekly. The indices of RBC, WBC, platelets, liver enzymes (ALT, AST), serum urea and creatinine levels did not significantly change. However, at the higher dose (500 mg/kg) there were hepatitis and nephritis in histology on experimental mice after 90 days. The breadfruit extract did not significantly change general physiology, complete blood count, liver and kidney function of mice. However, prolonging overdose is not recommended. The results of this study provide information on the safety of breadfruit extract. This would be useful for further study in pharmacology.