Abstract
In this study, the methanol extract of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis was examined for acute and subchronic toxicities. The extract did not produce any sign of toxicity within 7 days after feeding it at a single high dose of 6 g kg−1 body weight to female and male Swiss mice. For the subchronic toxicity test, the extract at doses of 6, 12, and 24 mg kg−1 body weight was orally administered to six male and six female Wistar rats daily for 12 weeks. Throughout the study period, we did not observe any abnormalities on behavior, food and water intakes, and health status among the treated animals. The hematology and clinical chemistry parameters of treated groups did not significantly differ from those of the controls in both sexes. Postmortem examination of the test groups also showed no abnormalities in both gross and histological findings. These results thus suggest that the methanol extract of A. platensis did not cause acute or subchronic toxicity in our experimental animals.
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Acknowledgments
This project was supported by the Royal Thai Government Budget (grant no. PHA 49127). Thanks are extended to Dr. Brian Hodgson for his suggestions and help in refining the manuscript. Appreciation also goes to Ms. Pratum Ritthisunthorn and Ms. Ruthaiwan Bunkrongcheap for their technical assistance.
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Hutadilok-Towatana, N., Reanmongkol, W. & Panichayupakaranant, P. Evaluation of the toxicity of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis extract. J Appl Phycol 22, 599–605 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-009-9499-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-009-9499-5