Toxicity studies of sea anemone (Gyrostoma helianthus) crude extract and fractionated proteins on liver and kidney in rats

Abstract

Aim: To study the poisonous effects of crude extract and fractionated protein of sea anemone Gyrostoma helianthus on histological and biochemical parameters in male rats. Methodology: Live specimens of Gyrostoma helianthus were collected from Jeddah coast, fixed in ethanol, dried and powdered to obtain the crude residue extract. Some of the crude extract were ultra-filtered to produce protein fractions of 1 and 3KDa. The LD50 of crude extract powder was estimated for male rats and momentary repeated subacute dosing (1/4 LD50) for 7 days was carried out to obtain toxicity data. Histological examination of liver and kidney sections were carried out. Serum whole protein, total albumin, ALT and LDH were estimated by standard protocol. Results: The LD50 of crude extract was 20.32 mg kg-1 for male rats. In acute and subsequent sub-acute toxicity, neurological symptoms such as convulsions, paralysis, tremors, and ataxia were observed overdose exposure. At the end of exposure to subacute dose histopathological changes like hemolyzed blood and atrophy of glomerular tuft in kidney and fatty changes, vacuolation, necrosis, and infiltration in liver was noted. Furthermore, vital significant increase in total protein, ALT and LDH and reduced bilirubin in serum of treated groups was observed as compared to the control. Interpretation: The present study emphasizes the toxicological, behavioral, biochemical, and histological bioactivity of crude extract and protein fractions of 1 and 3 KDa of Gyrostoma helianthus sea anemone, which is commonly found in the Red Sea. The tested extracts were found to be active at a concentration 5.08 mg kg-1. The yielded effects may interpret treatment strategies of toxicological and pharmacologic intervention. Key words: Biochemistry, Gyrostoma helianthus, Histopathology, Toxicity