Sub-acute oral toxicity evaluation of aqueous extract of bamboo shoots ( Dendrocalamus hamiltonii) in Balb/c mice

Abstract

Bamboo shoot (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii), the young tender and immature culm is being considered as a complete health food due to its high nutritional and bioactive content. Although, freshly harvested bamboo shoots are nutritionally richer; anti-nutritional factors and toxicity in fresh shoots used for consumption are a matter of concern. This study was conducted to evaluate the sub-acute oral toxicity of aqueous extract in shoots of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. The bamboo shoot extract was administered orally to Balb/c mice at doses of 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg, bodyweight for 28 days. Results revealed a significant enhancement in the level of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase accompanied by a significant reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation. A dose-dependent increase was observed in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase while a marked reduction was seen in the activity of enzyme catalase. None of any mortality and behavioral changes was observed. At higher dose (1600 mg/kg, body weight) the level of serum creatinine, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly, however, the histo-architecture of liver and kidney was normal. Therefore, it is concluded that the medium-term oral administration of the bamboo shoot extract for 28 days does not cause toxicity.