Acute Toxicity Study of Benincasa Hispida

Abstract

Ayurveda – the science of life describes about various food items, food processing techniques and food consumption methodologies. Benincasa hispida (Kushmanda) is one among this, which is having various medicinal properties. The present study was designed to examine the acute toxicity of Benincasa hispida. Fresh juice of Benincasa hispida was prepared and used for study. The acute toxicity study was carried out as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 425, in female Swiss mice weighing 25 to 30 gm. The maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg was administered orally in the form of juice. The groups were almost continuously observed for mortality and behavioral changes during first 24 hours and then daily for fortnight. The observations of changes in body weight, food and water intake as well as cage side observations were reported. There were no abnormalities observed in any of these animals. The results provide evidence that Benincasa hispida fruit juice was found to be nontoxic up to 5000 mg/kg dose.

Keywords: Benincasa hispida, fresh juice, acute toxicity study