Full Length Research Paper
Abstract
The genus Osmundaria (Rhodophyta, Ceramilaes, Rhodomelaceae) comprises tropical and temperate regions red marine seaweeds species. Osmundaria obtusiloba is distributed from the northeastern coast of Brazil to the state of Rio de Janeiro. Studies with ethanol extract of red seaweed O. obtusiloba showed the antiviral potential of this alga. Hence, this study examined in BALB/c mice the acute toxicity after oral administration of O. obtusiloba crude extract. Then, female BALB/c mice received a single dose of O. obtusiloba extract by gavage at 550 mg/kg and their behaviors were monitored for a 14 day period. The biochemical and histological changes in the liver, kidney, stomach and spleen were analyzed. O. obtusiloba extract did not significantly change behavior, body weight, hematological or biochemical profiles. The organs of the animals did not show significant alterations when submitted to treatment with O. obtusiloba extract. In conclusion, the in vivo results revealed that O. obtusiloba has low toxicity and it can be and may be the target of further studies of biological activity.
Key words: Osmundaria obtusiloba; acute toxicity; seaweeds; preclinical tests.
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