Toxicological Evaluation of Bioactive Sulfated Polysaccharides from the Edible Marine Algae Padina tetrastromatica and Ulva fasciata in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

The bioactivities of edible brown algae Padina tetrastromatica and green algae Ulva fasciata are mainly attributed to the presence of sulfated polysaccharides (SPSs). The toxicological evaluation of a particular dose of a compound is necessary before practicing its pharmacological activities. In the absence of detailed in vivo toxicological studies of the sulfated polysaccharides from the above mentioned edible marine algae, the present study focused on the toxicological evaluation of these compounds in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats through oral administration at a dose of 50 mg/Kg Body weight for 45 days. The minimum effective dose was fixed from the preliminary dose fixation studies as per OECD test guideline 420. The compounds were initially identified and proved to be non-toxic using in vitro and in vivo studies. The compounds did not induce statistically significant toxicological changes with respect to relative organ weight, hematology, serum toxicity parameters, and histopathology. Both compounds significantly increased the antioxidant status of hepatic tissue and coagulation time in APTT (Activated partial thromboplastin time) assay with no significant change in prothrombin time (PT), indicating their heparin-like activities through the intrinsic pathway. Our study demonstrated that in this particular dose, both these natural compounds are non-toxic to the vital organs and can exhibit potent antioxidant and anticoagulant activities without producing life-threatening side effects.

Key words:

• Sulfated polysaccharides
• toxicity
• Padina tetrastromatica
• Ulva fasciata.