Evaluation of the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Coriandrum sativum L. Seeds in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: In traditional herbal medicine, the Coriandrum sativum (CS) seeds are widely used to prevent and/or treat several diseases. Despite this, research into studying their toxicity is very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at studying the acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of coriander seeds (AECS) in Wistar rats. METHODS: For acute toxicity, five dose levels (500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000 mgkg-1bw) were tested per single oral administration. Subacute toxicity for 28 days was achieved by daily oral administration of AECS at doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mgkg-1bw. RESULTS: No deaths or signs were recorded or observed in rats in the five groups and the control group was after 14 days of acute toxicity study. The results of subacute toxicity revealed that the administration of AECS caused a significant difference in the body weight of rats at doses of 2000 and 3000mgkg-1bw, and in the development of movement disturbances, hypoactivity, drowsiness, weakness, and diarrhea, while histopathological examination showed vascular congestion and inflammation of the kidneys as well as hepatic necrosis. The haematological profile showed a significant increase in the number of red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and a nonsignificant decrease is noticed in neutrophils at a dose of 3000 mgkg-1bw. CONCLUSION: AECS should be used with caution as it has caused some signs of toxicity and may affect the liver and kidneys if doses are repeated. However, further studies are needed to verify and clarify the toxic aspect of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and its active components mitigate Semen Strychni-induced neurotoxicity through regulating high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation.

Semen Strychni has long been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, facioplegia and myasthenia gravis due to its anti-inflammation and anti-nociceptive properties in China. However, the fatal neurotoxicity of Semen Strychni has limited its wider clinical application. To investigate the acute toxicity induced by Semen Strychni and the detoxification of liquorice, we evaluated inflammation, oxidative stress and the translocation of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats. As a result, there were obvious oxidative stress and inflammation in hippocampus after the Semen Strychni extracts (STR) treatment in rats. Liquorice extracts (LE) and its three active monomers - glycyrrhizic acid (GA), liquiritigenin (LIQ), isoliquiritigenin (ISL) showed the potential for mitigating STR-induced neurotoxicity. HMGB1 levels in cytoplasm and serum and the levels of two downstream receptors RAGE and TLR4 were significantly increased after STR treatment. Through using LE and the monomers, the nucleocytoplasmic transport and release of HMGB1 were inhibited. In addition, the binding between HMGB1 and TLR4 was weakened in detoxification groups comparing with the STR group. Taken together, these findings indicated that liquorice and its active components alleviated acute neurotoxicity induced by Semen Strychni partly via HMGB1-related pathway.

Detoxification mechanisms of a combination of Semen Strychni and Radix Glycyrrhizae: A comparative analyses of differences in toxicokinetics and tissue distribution after oral administration of Semen Strychni-Radix Glycyrrhizae decoction.

To evaluate the detoxification effect of a combination of Radix Glycyrrhizae (GU) and Semen Strychni (SN) from toxicokinetics and drug tissue distribution perspectives, decoctions of processed SN and codecoction of SN and GU (SGN) were prepared, and an HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to monitor the severe exposure level in 1-month toxicokinetics and tissue distribution experiments to detect brucine and strychnine in rats. The toxicokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution before and after the addition of GU were analyzed. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution before and after the combination of SN and GU. The results show that GU decreased the blood concentration of toxic components in SN, and a double peak was observed in the drug time curve. The results of tissue distribution show that a combination of GU and SN significantly decreased the accumulation of toxic substances in metabolic organs and accelerated the clearance of toxic substances in the brain. These results provide a reference for the toxicity reduction mechanism of GU combined with SN.

Toxicological assessment of a bioactive extract from Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds using alternative models.

The Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds extract has great therapeutic potential due to numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which are associated with phenolic content. Although this herbal preparation has shown many benefits, recently their toxicity profile has begun to be explored. In this present study, the toxic effects of T. gardneriana seeds ethanolic extract (EETg) on biological systems of different taxonomical groups and levels of complexity (from cell culture to lower vertebrates) were assessed, through a variety of viability and toxicological assays. It was found that EETg did not impair the Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth at the highest tested concentration (200 µg/mL), and no toxicant evidence was observed in Aedes aegypti larvae or in Drosophila melanogaster adult stage. Contrarily, the extract reduced the viability of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells (250 µg/mL, 40% of viable cells), but did not affect differentiated ones. The embryotoxicity in Danio rerio model showed a LC50 of 7.41 mg/L (95% confidence interval, 4.78 - 11.49 mg/L). EETg did not show signs of toxicity in the majority of the models used, but lethality and malformations in zebrafish embryos occurred. Further analyses are needed to better understand the selective toxicity mechanism of EETg on zebrafish, as well as whether the toxic effects happen in higher vertebrates.

Gastrointestinal discomfort and hypotension in a patient with Reutealis trisperma seeds intoxication: A case report.

RATIONALE: Reutealis trisperma is a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family and Reutealis genus and is often mistaken for a plant of the genus Aleurites. Accidental ingestion of R trisperma seeds is relatively rare in Taiwan than that of Vernicia fordii. Mostly, the clinical course of R trisperma seed poisoning is similar to that of V fordii poisoning. Recent studies have shown that the median lethal dose 50 of R trisperma seeds in mice is approximately 4954 mg/kg. R trisperma seed extract has a significant effect on the autonomic nervous system by causing ptosis and disrupting breathing, and affects the central nervous system by reducing motor activity. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 51-year-old man with underlying gout and hepatitis B picked several seeds of R trisperma, which he misidentified at chestnuts, at an elementary school. He prepared soup by boiling 3 to 4 seeds and consumed it. He experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea with hypotension. DIAGNOSIS: R trisperma seeds intoxication. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was given a soft diet, input and output were recorded, and intravenous fluid supplements were administered. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged after 3 days of hospitalization, once a relatively stable condition was achieved. LESSONS: Human poisoning by accidental consumption of R trisperma seeds is relatively rare in Taiwan. It may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and even hypotension. Patients can recover within 2 to 3 days of receiving proper treatment and intravenous fluid infusion.

A Proteomics Study on the Mechanism of Nutmeg-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Nutmeg is a traditional spice and medicinal plant with a variety of pharmacological activities. However, nutmeg abuse due to its hallucinogenic characteristics and poisoning cases are frequently reported. Our previous metabolomics study proved the hepatotoxicity of nutmeg and demonstrated that high-dose nutmeg can affect the synthesis and secretion of bile acids and cause oxidative stress. In order to further investigate the hepatotoxicity of nutmeg, normal saline, 1 g/kg, 4 g/kg nutmeg were administrated to male Kunming mice by intragastrical gavage for 7 days. Histopathological investigation of liver tissue, proteomics and biochemical analysis were employed to explore the mechanism of liver damage caused by nutmeg. The results showed that a high-dose (4 g/kg) of nutmeg can cause significant increased level of CYP450s and depletion of antioxidants, resulting in obvious oxidative stress damage and lipid metabolism disorders; but this change was not observed in low-dose group (1 g/kg). In addition, the increased level of malondialdehyde and decreased level of glutathione peroxidase were found after nutmeg exposure. Therefore, the present study reasonably speculates that nutmeg exposure may lead to liver injury through oxidative stress and the degree of this damage is related to the exposure dose.

Cardiotoxicity induced by Cochinchina momordica seed extract in zebrafish.

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng is an indigenous South Asian edible fruit, and seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis have been used therapeutically in traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have shown that M. cochinchinensis seed (Momordicae Semen) has various pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant and anti-ulcer effects as well as contains secondary metabolites with potential anticancer activities such as triterpenoids and saponins. Recent studies reported that water extract and ethanol extract of M. cochinchinensi seed were tested on mammals using an acute toxic classic method as OECD guidelines 420. No matter injected intravenously or intramuscularly, animals died within several days. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to various doses of Cochinchina momordica seed extract (CMSE) from 2 dpf (days post fertilization, dpf) to 3 dpf. CMSE-induced cardiotoxicity such as pericardial edema, cardiac apoptosis, increased ROS production, cardiac neutrophil infiltration, decreased blood flow velocity, and reduced expression of three marker genes of cardiac functions were found in zebrafish roughly in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that CMSE may induce cardiotoxicity through pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Efficient removal of ginkgotoxin from Ginkgo biloba seed powder by combining endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis with resin adsorption.

BACKGROUND: Ginkgotoxin including 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) and MPN-5'-glucoside (MPNG) is responsible for Ginkgo seed food poisoning. The purpose of the work reported was to prepare detoxified Ginkgo seed powder and at the same time to retain the nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the maximum extent. RESULTS: Resin adsorption technology was firstly employed to remove ginkgotoxin from water extract of Ginkgo seed powder. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption efficiency of the optimal resin for MPN could reach 100%, and that for MPNG could only reach 85.4 ± 0.93%. Resin adsorption alone could not effectively remove MPN and MPNG simultaneously. Endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis was next attempted to transform MPNG to MPN. MPNG could be completely hydrolyzed to MPN by endogenous enzyme(s) at 40 °C and pH 5.0 in 180 min. Ginkgotoxin only in the form of MPN in the enzymatic hydrolysate was then adsorbed with resin and the conditions were statistically optimized. The adsorption efficiency of MPN reached 98.89 ± 0.99% under the optimized conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of ginkgotoxin by combining endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis with resin adsorption could preserve the main nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the most extent, and did not change its main characteristics. The ginkgotoxin removal method developed in this work is a relatively simple and efficient approach. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of different drying methods on product quality, bioactive and toxic components of Ginkgo biloba L. seed.

BACKGROUND: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used as a functional food across Asia. However, the presence of toxic compounds has limited their application. In this study, freeze drying, infrared drying, hot-air drying and pulsed-vacuum drying were used to dry G. biloba seeds. A comprehensive analysis was performed on their product quality, antioxidant activities, bioactive and toxic components. RESULTS: Results showed that the drying methods had a significant influence on product quality with freeze drying being superior due to the minimal microstructural damage, followed by infrared drying and pulsed-vacuum drying. Infrared-dried product possessed the strongest antioxidant activities and higher bioactive compound content than hot-air-dried and pulsed-vacuum-dried product. Toxic compounds in fresh G. biloba seeds (ginkgotoxin, ginkgolic acid and cyanide) were reduced markedly by drying. Ginkgotoxin was reduced fourfold, and the contents of acrylamide, ginkgolic acid and cyanide in dried G. biloba seeds were reduced to the scope of safety. Amongst the four drying methods, infrared drying had the shortest drying time, and its product showed higher quality and bioactive compound content, and stronger antioxidant activities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will offer salient information for selecting a drying method during the processing of ginkgo seeds. Infrared drying could be considered as a multiple-effect drying method in the processing of ginkgo seeds. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploration of the cellular effects of the high-dose, long-term exposure to coffee roasting product furan and its by-product cis-2-butene-1,4-dial on human and rat hepatocytes.

Coffee is the most popular hot beverage and caffeine is the most used psychoactive drug in the world. Roasting of coffee beans leads to the generation of minute quantities of undesirable compounds, such as furan. It is now thought that the toxicity of furan derives from its processing by CYP450 family of detoxifying enzymes, leading to the formation of cis-2-butene-1,4-dial (BDA). BDA has known cytotoxicity capacities, binding to proteins, nucleic acids, and glutathione (GSH). BDA also appears to mediate furan's toxic effects, since the inhibition of CYP450 family impedes the aforementioned toxicological effects of furan. There are some studies performed on furan's toxicity, but very few on BDA. Furthermore, the doses used in these studies appear to be fairly high when compared with the expected dosage one could be exposed to in a standard day. As such, to understand if furan and BDA could have toxic effects using more realistic doses and longer time frames, human and rat hepatocytes were exposed to furan or BDA for up to 96 h, and several biochemical parameters were assessed. We report here that human hepatocytes were more sensitive than rat's, in particular to furan, for we show a decrease in MTT reduction, ATP levels and increase in carbonyl formation and 8-OHdG accumulation in the longer time points. BDA was mostly ineffective, which we attribute to a low import rate into the cells. In conclusion, we show that there is potential for harm from furan in high doses, which should be carefully addressed.

Hydroxy-octadecenoic acids instead of phorbol esters are responsible for the Jatropha curcas kernel cake's toxicity.

The toxic kernel cake of Jatropha curcas (KCakeJ) is an emerging health and environmental concern. Although phorbol esters are widely recognized as the major toxin of KCakeJ, convincing evidence is absent. Here, we show that rather than phorbol esters an isomeric mixture of 11-hydroxy-9E-octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-10E-octadecenoic acid and 12-hydroxy-10Z-octadecenoic acid (hydroxy-octadecenoic acids, molecular formula C18H34O3) is the major toxic component. The toxicities of hydroxy-octadecenoic acids on experimental animals, e.g. acute lethality, causing inflammation, pulmonary hemorrhage and thrombi, allergies, diarrhea and abortion, are consistent with those on human/animals caused by Jatropha seed and/or KCakeJ. The hydroxyl group and the double bond are essential for hydroxy-octadecenoic acids' toxicity. The main pathway of the toxicity mechanism includes down-regulating UCP3 gene expression, promoting ROS production, thus activating CD62P expression (platelet activation) and mast cell degranulation. The identification of the major toxin of KCakeJ lays a foundation for establishing an environmentally friendly Jatropha biofuel industry.

Antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects of cuminaldehyde, the major constituent of Cuminum cyminum seeds: Possible mechanisms of action.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Iranian traditional medicine, Cuminum cyminum is a unique medicinal herb for pain relief. Cuminaldehyde has been distinguished as the major constituent of C. cyminum seeds; even though, the analgesic effect of cuminaldehyde has not yet been examined. AIM OF THE STUDY: The nobility of this study was to assess cuminaldehyde effect on nociceptive and neuropathic pains; furthermore, evaluation of its possible mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hot plate, formalin, and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used to evaluate nociception in mice. Naloxone (opioid receptors antagonist), L-arginine (nitric oxide (NO) precursor), L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor), sodium nitroprusside (NO donor), methylene blue (guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), sildenafil (phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker) were used to determine the implication of opioid receptors and L-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway. Allodynia and hyperalgesia were investigated in the CCI (chronic constriction injury) model of neuropathic pain in rats. The ELISA method was used to measure the inflammatory cytokines in serum samples of rats. The entire chemicals were intraperitoneally injected. RESULTS: Cuminaldehyde (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the latency to nociceptive response in the hot plate test. The outcome of cuminaldehyde was completely antagonized by naloxone (2 mg/kg). Formalin- and acetic acid-induced nociception was significantly inhibited by cuminaldehyde (12.5-50 mg/kg). The antinociceptive effect of cuminaldehyde was reversed in writhing test by L-arginine (200 mg/kg), sodium nitroprusside (0.25 mg/kg), and sildenafil (0.5 mg/kg); however, L-NAME (30 mg/kg) and methylene blue (20 mg/kg) enhanced the effect of cuminaldehyde. Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) did not alter the antinociceptive effects of cuminaldehyde. In the CCI-induced neuropathy, cuminaldehyde (25-100 mg/kg) significantly alleviated allodynia and hyperalgesia and decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: It was attained magnificently that cuminaldehyde exerts antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects through the involvement of opioid receptors, L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway, and anti-inflammatory function.

Selective in vivo molecular and cellular biocompatibility of black peppercorns by piperine-protein intrinsic atomic interaction with elicited oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebrafish eleuthero embryos.

Day to day consumption of black pepper raise concern about the detailed information about their medicinal, pharmaceutical values and knowledge about the biocompatibility with respect to ecosystem. This study investigates the in vivo selective molecular biocompatibility of its seed cover (SC) and seed core (SP) powder extract using embryonic zebrafish model. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of the extract prepared by grinding showed presence of different components with "piperine" as principle component. Biocompatibility analysis showed dose and time dependent selective effect of SC and SP with LC50 of 30.4 µg/ml and 35.6 µg/ml, respectively on survivability, hatching and heartbeat rate in embryonic zebrafish. Mechanistic investigation elucidated it as effect of accumulation and internalization of black pepper leading to their influence on structure and function of cellular proteins hatching enzyme (he1a), superoxide dismutase (sod1) and tumor protein (tp53) responsible for delayed hatching, oxidative stress induction and apoptosis. The study provided insight to selective biocompatibility of black pepper expedient to produce higher quality spices with respect to pharmaceutical, clinical and environmental aspects.

Identification and validation of SNP markers linked to seed toxicity in Jatropha curcas L.

Edible/non-toxic varieties of Jatropha curcas L. are gaining increasing attention, providing both oil as biofuel feedstock or even as edible oil and the seed kernel meal as animal feed ingredient. They are a viable alternative to the limitation posed by the presence of phorbol esters in toxic varieties. Accurate genotyping of toxic/non-toxic accessions is critical to breeding management. The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers linked to seed toxicity in J. curcas. For SNP discovery, NGS technology was used to sequence the whole genomes of a toxic and non-toxic parent along with a bulk of 51 toxic and 30 non-toxic F2 plants. To ascertain the association between SNP markers and seed toxicity trait, candidate SNPs were genotyped on 672 individuals segregating for seed toxicity and two collections of J. curcas composed of 96 individuals each. In silico SNP discovery approaches led to the identification of 64 candidate SNPs discriminating non-toxic and toxic samples. These SNPs were mapped on Chromosome 8 within the Linkage Group 8 previously identified as a genomic region important for phorbol ester biosynthesis. The association study identified two new SNPs, SNP_J22 and SNP_J24 significantly linked to low toxicity with R2 values of 0.75 and 0.54, respectively. Our study released two valuable SNP markers for high-throughput, marker-assisted breeding of seed toxicity in J. curcas.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) possess developmental toxicity as revealed by screening the seeds and fruit extracts in zebrafish embryos.

BACKGROUND: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has attracted the focus of researchers owing to its excellent anti-diabetic action. The beneficial effect of Momordica charantia on heart has been reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. However the developmental toxicity or potential risk of M. charantia on fetus heart development is largely unknown. Hence this study was designed to find out the developmental toxicity of M. charantia using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. METHODS: The crude extracts were prepared from fruit and seeds of M. charantia. The Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of each of the crude extract. The biologically active fractions were fractionated by C18 column using high pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry was done to identify chemical constituents in fruit and seed extract of M. charantia. RESULTS: The seed extract of M. charantia was lethal with LD50 values of 50 µg/ml to zebrafish embryos and multiple anomalies were observed in zebrafish embryos at sub-lethal concentration. However, the fruit extract was much safe and exposing the zebrafish embryos even to 200 µg/ml did not result any lethality. The fruit extract induced severe cardiac hypertrophy in treated embryos. The time window treatment showed that M. charantia perturbed the cardiac myoblast specification process in treated zebrafish embryos. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed diverse chemical group in the active fruit fraction and five new type of compounds were identified in the crude seeds extract of M. charantia by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry. CONCLUSION: The teratogenicity of seeds extract and cardiac toxicity by the fruit extract of M. charantia warned that the supplementation made from the fruit and seeds of M. charantia should be used with much care in pregnant diabetic patients to avoid possible damage to developing fetus.

Pharmacodynamic interaction of cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L.) with glyburide in diabetes.

Background and objective The plethora of anti-diabetic agents available today has many side effects, especially on chronic usage. Hence, alternative approaches utilizing natural and synthetic agents are sought after. Cumin has been shown to be beneficial in treating diabetes. This study evaluates the anti-diabetic effect of cumin and glyburide in the streptozotocin induced diabetes model in rats, and investigates their pharmacodynamic interactions and its implication in diabetes. Methodology The phytoconstituents present in the ethanolic cumin seed extract were determined using appropriate analytical methods. After acute toxicity studies (OECD 2001), the anti-diabetic effect of the extract was evaluated in wistar rats. The rats were divided into five groups - Groups I and II served as the normal and diabetic control. Group III was the standard control (glyburide 5 mg/kg), while groups IV and V received the extract (600 mg/kg) and a combination of the extract (600 mg/kg) and glyburide (2.5 mg/kg; half dose). Biochemical parameters viz. plasma glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin, were measured periodically during the 28 day treatment. On the 28th day, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, renal profile and histopathological evaluation were performed after completion of the study. To investigate the nature of herb-drug interaction, HPLC analysis for estimation of glyburide concentration in the blood was conducted. Results Acute toxicity studies showed the extract to be safe till a dose of 2 g/kg. The extract alone, and in combination with glyburide (half-dose), significantly lowered elevated glucose (by more than 45% from baseline; without producing hypoglycemia), and other lipid and renal parameters. The effects produced by 2.5 mg/kg glyburide, and 5 mg/kg glyburide (without extract) were similar. Histopathological analysis also showed that the extract was able to reverse the degeneration brought about by streptozotocin which was especially notable on the pancreatic and renal tissue. HPLC analysis revealed differing pharmacokinetics of glyburide in the groups treated with 5 mg/kg dose, and 2.5 mg/kg + 600 mg/kg extract. Conclusion The results obtained in this study suggest that Cuminum cyminum L. is a promising anti-diabetic agent, and exhibits pharmacodynamic interaction with glyburide to mitigate symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Bioaccesibility, Metabolism, and Excretion of Lipids Composing Spent Coffee Grounds.

The bioaccessibility, metabolism, and excretion of lipids composing spent coffee grounds (SCGs) were investigated. An analysis of mycotoxins and an acute toxicity study in rats were performed for safety evaluation. Total fat, fatty acids, and diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) were determined in SCGs and their digests obtained in vitro. A pilot repeated intake study was carried out in Wistar rats using a dose of 1 g SCGs/kg b.w. for 28 days. Fat metabolism was evaluated by analysis of total fat, cholesterol, and histology in liver. The dietary fiber effect of SCGs was measured radiographically. The absence of mycotoxins and toxicity was reported in SCGs. A total of 77% of unsaturated fatty acids and low amounts of kahweol (7.09 µg/g) and cafestol (414.39 µg/g) were bioaccessible after in vitro digestion. A significantly lower (p < 0.1) accumulation of lipids in the liver and a higher excretion of these in feces was found in rats treated with SCGs for 28 days. No lipid droplets or liver damage were observed by histology. SCGs acutely accelerated intestinal motility in rats. SCGs might be considered a sustainable, safe, and healthy food ingredient with potential for preventing hepatic steatosis due to their effect as dietary fiber with a high fat-holding capacity.

Cadmium toxicity on seed germination and initial growth of chia

In recent years, there has been a growing concern related to soil and water contamination due to the constant dispersal of toxic metals. In addition to their ecotoxicological potential, these elements exhibit a cumulative character that favors their permanence in soil and passage to living organisms, which can lead to an ecological imbalance. Among toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) is an obstacle to agriculture because it can adversely affect food quality and human health, as well as diminish plant growth and productivity. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of cadmium on seed germination and initial growth of chia. The ecotoxicological effects of four Cd concentrations (15; 30; 45; and 60 mg L-1) were evaluated. The response variables were germination percentage, first count, germination speed index, total length, shoot length, root length, seedling dry mass, and tolerance index. It is concluded that the presence and accumulation of Cd in the culture substrate played an inhibitory role in seed germination and initial seedling growth of chia starting at 15 mg L-1. On the other hand, no significant effect was observed for the treatments in relation to dry mass of the chia seedlings.