Acute dermal toxicity study of flower essential oil from Etlingera fenzlii (Kurz.) K. Schum. in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

WHO has emphasized the value of using green repellents to combat disease and supplement insecticide-based vector control strategies. These products are frequently labelled as safe which is a common misperception due to the presence of varying bioactive compounds that can either be toxic or non-toxic. Pertaining to this scenario, a scarcely studied plant Etlingera fenzlii is studied to analyse its toxicological effects on skin. The plant is endemic to Kamorta and Katchal islands of Nicobar group and Mount Harriet hill ranges of Southern Andaman. These plants are used by the Shompen tribes for their honey collection and also against stomach disorders, cough etc. It is crucial to comprehend the plant's safety levels and dose limitations considering its' proven fungicidal and mosquitocidal characteristics among their other functions. The current study evaluated the acute dermal toxicity of flower essential oil in Wistar rats in accordance with OECD recommendations. Topical application at a dose of 2000mg/kg body weight showed no signs of toxicity. Any changes in body weight, water intake, feed consumption or gross pathology were not observed in the tested animals which provide considerable evidence to support the safe topical application of the essential oil.