The subchronic toxic effects of Mosla Chinensis Maxim in normal rats.

Abstract Background: The aim of this work was to study the toxic effects and target organs of Mosla Chinensis Maxim (MCM) in rats and provide theoretical basis for clinical medication.Methods: The subchronic toxicity study was conducted on 60 male and female SD rats using the fixed-dose method for the treatment group and 20 male and female SD rats for the control. At the subchronic toxicity study, the water extract of MCM with fixed-dose of 0.2g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day and 20g/kg/day was administered for 90 days intragastric, and the control group was given the same amount of distilled water. After 90 days, the general conditions of the rats were observed. Assesment on safety of the extract was conducted by a subchronic toxicity test which mainly examined alteration occured in gut flora and urine metabolism. Results: The results showed that there were no significant toxic effects observed at all doses on physical sign and reactivity and fecal property of rats in the treatment groups had no obvious difference from those in control group. The results of routine blood test showed that the number of red blood cells in the male medium dose group and the female low dose group were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The results of serum biochemical indicators test showed that MCM had influence on the indicators of liver and kidney function, but it had no toxicological significance. In terms of glucose and lipid metabolism, the LDL level of male rats was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, GLU level of female rats in the low, medium and high dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), indicating that long-term administration of MCM would affect the glucose level of female rats. The results of intestinal flora diversity showed that feeding MCM for 90 days had an impact on the distribution of intestinal flora. The content of lactobacillus increased and the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B) was also affected, but there was no significant difference. Conclusions: These findings showed that the long-term intragastric administration of the MCM is safe to use within its dose recommendation. But it could have slight affect the metabolism of uric acid by changing the composition of intestinal flora and affecting the metabolism of tryptophan.