Chronic and Sub Acute Toxicity Study of the N-Butanol Extract of the Marine Sediment Fungus Aspergillus Protuberus Sp1

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the toxicity of the n-butanol extract of marine derived fungi Aspergillus protuberus sp1. Lethal dose (LD50), chronic and sub acute toxicities were determined in the rats. From the LD50, the effective dose (ED50) was determined. The n-butanol extract was prepared at the concentrations of 200, 400, and 600 mg.kg -1 body weight. In the sub acute toxicity study, the prepared extract was given orally to the experimental rats for fourteen days and in case of chronic toxicity study, it was given for ninety days. Then the animals were observed for the biochemical and hematological effects, macroscopic and microscopic changes in the liver and kidney. Results showed that, in both sub acute and chronic toxicity studies, the experimental rats showed normal general behavior, respiratory pattern, cardiovascular signs, motor activities, reflexes and normal change in skin and fur. The results also showed that the extract did not induce any biochemical, hematological effects, macroscopic and microscopic changes in the liver and kidney. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the extract is safe and these results are useful for further investigation of this fungus in the future.