Ficus plants: State of the art from a phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological perspective.

Ficus genus is typically tropical plants and is among the earliest fruit trees cultivated by humans. Ficus carica L. is the common fig, Ficus benjamina L. is the weeping fig, and Ficus pumila L. is the creeping fig. These species are commonly used in traditional medicine for a wide range of diseases and contain rich secondary metabolites that have shown diverse applications. This comprehensive review describes for Ficus genus the phytochemical compounds, traditional uses and contemporary pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and anticonvulsant. An extended survey of the current literature (Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed) has been carried out as part of the current work. The trends in the phytochemistry, pharmacological mechanisms and activities of Ficus genus are overviewed in this manuscript: antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, antiseizure and anti-Parkinson's diseases, cytotoxic and antioxidant. Health-promoting effects, recent human clinical studies, safety and adverse effects of Ficus plants also are covered. The medical potential and long-term pharmacotherapeutic use of the genus Ficus along with no serious reported adverse events, suggests that it can be considered as being safe.

Evaluation of cytotoxic potential, oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of organic extracts of Pityrocarpa moniliformis.

The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of organic extracts of P. moniliformis in vitro and identify the acute toxicity and genotoxicity in vivo. The leaves were extracted using three organic solvents (cyclohexane [EP1], ethyl acetate [EP2], and methanol [EP3]). Phytochemical qualitative analysis was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Cytotoxicity tests were performed on human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and J774 murine macrophages. Acute toxicity in mice was measured after intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 2000 mg/kg, while evaluation of genotoxicity and mutagenicity were assessed using the comet assay and the micronucleus (MN) test, respectively. The TLC analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and saponins. In the cytotoxicity assay, extracts EP1 and EP3 altered proliferation of HEK cells, and all organic extracts increased the viability of J774 cells. In the toxicity tests, no deaths or behavioral alterations were observed in mice exposed to the acute dose of the extracts. Although some extracts led to changes in hematological and histological parameters, these results did not indicate physiological changes. In relation to the MN test and comet assay, no significant changes were detected in the DNA of the animals tested with the extracts EP1, EP2, and EP3. Thus, extracts of P. moniliformis were not considered to be toxic and did not induce formation of MN or damage to cellular DNA in the genotoxicity tests.

Cytotoxicity, oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity evaluation of essential oil from Psidium glaziovianum Kiaersk leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Members of the Psidium genus have been suggested in ethnobotanical research for the treatment of various human diseases, and some studies have already proven their popular uses through research, such as Psidium glaziovianum, which is found in Brazil's northeast and southeast regions and has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the safety of use has not yet been evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the safety of using essential oil obtained from P. glaziovianum leaves (PgEO) in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine erythrocytes, while acute toxicity, genotoxicity (comet assay) and mutagenicity (micronucleus test) studies were performed using Swiss albino mice. RESULTS: In the cytotoxicity assay, the hemolysis rate indicated a low capacity of PgEO to cause cell lysis (0.33-1.78%). In the acute oral toxicity study, animals treated with up to up to 5000 mg/kg body weight did not observe mortality or physiological changes. Neither dosage caused behavioral problems or death in mice over 14 days. The control and 2,000 mg/kg groups had higher feed intake and body weight than the 5,000 mg/kg PgEO group. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, and MCV decreased, but serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases increased. In the genotoxic evaluation, 5000 mg/kg PgEO enhanced nucleated blood cell DI and DF. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes that PgEO can be considered well tolerated in acute exposure at doses up to 2000 mg/kg, however the dose of 5000 mg/kg of PgEO should be used with caution.

Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil.

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and in vitro as well as in vivo toxicological safety of emu oil were investigated. Emu oil was shown to have a low acid and peroxide value, low amounts of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, and high doses of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Furthermore, in a bacterial reverse mutation assay, emu oil demonstrated no change in the amount of revertant colonies for all strains. In a chromosomal assay, no aberrations occurred in any of the emu oil treatment groups (1.25, 2.5, and 5 µg/mL). In the bone marrow micronucleus test, emu oil up to 20 mL/kg showed no significant increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Moreover, emu oil up to 19.3 mg/kg body weight did not affect body weight in an acute oral toxicity study. These results are crucial for the adoption of emu oil as an alternative source of edible oil.

Antifungal Activity and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Bacillus mojovensis B1302 against Rhizoctonia Cerealis.

Rhizoctonia cerealis is a worldwide soil-borne pathogenic fungus that significantly infects wheat and causes sharp eyespot in China. However, the biocontrol strains used for the control of Rhizoctonia cerealis are insufficient. In the present study, antagonistic strain B1302 from the rhizosphere of wheat were isolated and identified as Bacillus mojovensis based on their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, and their 16S rDNA sequence. Culture filtrate of strain B1302 had a broad antifungal spectrum. In order to improve the antifungal activity of B1302, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the culture conditions. The final medium composition and culture conditions were 13.2 g/L of wheat bran, 14.1 g/L of soybean meal, 224 r/min of rotation speed, 7.50 of initial pH, and 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL of inoculation amount at 35 °C for a culture duration of 72 h. B. mojavensis B1302 inhibited the hyphae growth of R.cerealis and produced hydrolytic enzymes (protease, chitinase, and glucanase), IAA, and had N-fixing potentiality and P-solubilisation capacity. It can also promote wheat seedling growth in potted plants. The disease incidence and index of wheat seedlings were consistent with the effect of commercial pesticides under treatment with culture filtrate. The biocontrol efficacy of culture filtrate was significant-up to 65.25%. An animal toxicological safety analysis suggested that culture filtrate was safe for use and could be developed into an effective microbial fungicide to control wheat sharp eyespot.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination on carcases from kangaroos, wild pigs, goats and sheep.

Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination from carcases of wild game (i.e. kangaroos and wild pigs) and small stock (i.e. goats and sheep) before chilling at the slaughterhouse were assessed. Wild pig and kangaroo hide-on carcases may have been chilled before they arrive at the slaughterhouse and are treated after removal of the hides. Lactic acid solutions (2-5%) are applied to the carcases at temperatures of up to 55°C by spraying or misting. The treatment lasts 6-7 s per carcass side. The Panel concluded that: [1] the treatment is of no safety concern, provided that the lactic acid complies with the European Union specifications for food additives; [2] based on the available evidence, it was not possible to conclude on the efficacy of spraying or misting lactic acid on kangaroo, wild pig, goats and sheep carcases; [3] treatment of the above-mentioned carcases with lactic acid may induce reduced susceptibility to the same substance, but this can be minimised; there is currently no evidence that prior exposure of food-borne pathogens to lactic acid leads to the occurrence of resistance levels that compromise antimicrobial therapy; and [4] the release of lactic acid is not of concern for the environment, assuming that wastewaters released by the slaughterhouses are treated on-site, if necessary, to counter the potentially low pH caused by lactic acid, in compliance with local rules.

Coordination Compounds As Multi-Delivery Systems for Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis therapies leveraging bisphosphonates and mineral components (e.g., magnesium, calcium, and strontium) have been raising attention because of their potential for managing this ever-growing disease. The administration of multicomponent therapeutics (combined therapy) in elderly patients is complex and suffers from low patient adherence. Herein, we report an all-in-one combination of four antiosteoporotic components into a new family of coordination complexes: [M2(H4alen)4(H2O)2]·1.5H2O [where M2+ = Mg2+ (1), (Mg0.535Ca0.465)2+ (2) and (Mg0.505Ca0.450Sr0.045)2+ (3)]. These solid-state complexes were prepared, for the first time, through microwave-assisted synthesis. It is demonstrated that the compounds are capable of releasing their antiosteoporotic components, both in conditions that mimic the path along the gastrointestinal tract and in long periods under physiological conditions (pH ∼7.4). More importantly, when administered in low concentrations, the compounds did not elicit a cytotoxic effect toward liver, kidney, and osteoblast-like cell lines. Besides, it is important to highlight the unique coordination complex with four bone therapeutic components, [(Mg0.505Ca0.450Sr0.045)2(H4alen)4(H2O)2]·1.5H2O (3), which significantly promoted osteoblast metabolic activity up to ca. 1.4-fold versus the control group. These findings bring this type of compounds one-step closer to be considered as an all-in-one and more effective treatment for managing chronic bone diseases, prompting further research on their therapeutic properties.

Biological safety of Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc. Fixed oil: Cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, and genotoxicity studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Syagrus coronata, popularly known as licuri, is a palm native to caatingas. The fixed oil extract of licuri nuts is used by the population of Northeast Brazil for therapeutic purposes, including as an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and a cicatrizant agent. However, there is no scientific information on the possible harmful health effects of the oil and hence its medicinal usability is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to analyze the biological safety and possible antioxidant activity of fixed S. Coronata oil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical analysis of the oil was performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (CG-FID). The cytotoxicity of varying concentrations of the oil (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) was evaluated using the tetrazolium reduction assay in three cell lines: HEK-293 kidney embryonic cells, J774.A1 macrophages, and the tumor line Sarcoma-180 (S-180). Oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity tests were performed in mice which were administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of fixed licuri oil, by gavage. For acute toxicity tests, changes in blood and biochemical parameters, behavior, and weight were analyzed; histomorphometric analyses of the liver, kidney, and spleen were also performed. The comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test were performed to analyze genotoxicity. The antioxidant potential was assessed by the total antioxidant capacity (AAT) and DPPH elimination activity. RESULTS: Licuri oil consists predominantly of saturated fatty acids, and lauric acid is the major compound. The highest concentrations of the oil showed low levels of cytotoxicity; however, LC50 was not reached in any of the tests. The acute toxicity study did not reveal any evidence of adverse effects in animals treated with oil; biochemical investigation of blood showed a decrease in blood concentration of total proteins and uric acid. The kidneys, spleen, and liver showed no morphological changes indicative of a pathological process. Genotoxic or mutagenic activity was not detected through both the comet assay and MN test. In addition, the oil showed low antioxidant activity in both methods. CONCLUSION: Licuri oil from the stem of S. coronata did not present significant toxic effects as well as absence of genetic damage when administered orally. Future studies are needed to investigate its pharmacological potential.

Toxicological safety evaluation of the cultivated Chinese cordyceps.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Chinese cordyceps, a parasitic Thitarodes insect-Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus complex in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the most valuable traditional Chinese medicines and health food for ameliorating conditions associated with aging and for treating fatigue, night sweats, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, respiratory, renal and liver diseases, and hyposexuality. The natural Chinese cordyceps resource is rare due to its harsh growing environment, limited geographical distribution and global climate warming. Artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps has been successfully established to meet its high demand in market. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to evaluate the toxicological safety of the cultivated Chinese cordyceps and provide scientific data for subsequent development and utilization of this valuable biological resource. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Chinese cordyceps was cultivated by mimicking the habitat environment in low-altitude areas and identified by morphological and microscopic characteristics. Its phytochemical profile was determined by the HPLC. Toxicological studies based on the cultivated Chinese cordyceps were conducted, including chromosomal aberration test of Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells, Ames test, acute toxicity test and micronucleus (MN) test of bone marrow cells. RESULTS: The Chinese cordyceps successfully cultivated in low-altitude areas exhibited the same morphological and microscopic characteristics as natural Chinese cordyceps. The adenosine content was in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition). The HPLC fingerprint was determined and five main chromatographic peaks representing uracil, uridine, inosine, guanosine and adenosine were identified. No dose-dependent increase in the rates of chromosomal aberration was detected in the presence or absence of metabolic activation system. Ames test also demonstrated no dose-dependent increase in the number of reversion mutation for five bacterial strains, with or without rat liver microsomal enzyme mixture (S9) metabolic activation, at a quantity range of 128-5000 µg cultivated Chinese cordyceps per plate. The acute toxicity test with mice showed that after 20 g/kg oral administration of cultivated Chinese cordyceps, neither animal death nor any abnormal change in general dissection of various tissues and organs of the animals were found within 14 days. The median lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5 g/kg, which is regarded as a non-toxic level, and maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of cultivated Chinese cordyceps in ICR mice was more than 20 g/kg. MN test of mouse bone marrow cells indicated no significant differences among each sample dose and the negative control. CONCLUSION: Based on the results from four toxicological tests, it was concluded that the cultivated Chinese cordyceps was classified as non-toxic in one single administration at high doses by intragastric route in mice. This study provides scientific experimental basis for its safety.

Preclinical toxicological study of prolonged exposure to ketamine as an antidepressant.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common mentally debilitating diseases in the world. Ketamine has been recently identified as a potential novel antidepressant. Further animal model evaluations of the use of ketamine as an antidepressant are necessary to determine safety parameters for clinical use. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform toxicological tests of prolonged treatment using three different doses of ketamine in adult male rats. METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: three treated with 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg of ketamine and a control group treated with saline solution. Intraperitoneal route of treatment was administered daily for 3 weeks. Body weight, water and food intake were measured once a week, as well as evaluation of the functional observational battery, which includes methodic monitoring of motor activity, motor coordination, behavioral changes, and sensory/motor reflex responses. Upon completion of treatment period, all animals were euthanized by decapitation followed by immediate collection of samples, which included brain structures and blood for neurochemical, hematological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Rats treated with the highest tested dosage (20 mg/kg) of ketamine had lower weight gain in the 1st and 2nd weeks of treatment and all experimental groups had measurable alterations in the serotoninergic system. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the alterations observed are minor and due to a predicted mechanism of action, which implies that ketamine is a promising drug for repurposing as an antidepressant.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the organic acids lactic and acetic acids to reduce microbiological surface contamination on pork carcasses and pork cuts.

Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of lactic and acetic acids to reduce microbiological surface contamination on pork carcasses pre-chill and pork meat cuts post-chill were assessed. Lactic acid treatments consisted of 2-5% solutions at temperatures of up to 80°C applied to carcasses by spraying or up to 55°C applied on cuts by spraying or dipping. Acetic acid treatments consisted of 2-4% solutions at temperatures of up to 40°C applied on carcasses by spraying or on cuts by spraying or dipping. The maximum treatment duration was 30 s. The Panel concluded that: [1] the treatments are of no safety concern, provided that the substances comply with the European Union specifications for food additives; [2] spraying of pork carcasses pre-chill with lactic acid was efficacious compared to untreated control, but based on the available data, the Panel could not conclude whether lactic acid was more efficacious than water treatment when spraying of pork carcasses pre-chill or pork meat cuts post-chill. The Panel concluded that dipping of pork meat cuts post-chill in lactic acid was more efficacious than water treatment. However, it could not conclude on the efficacy of acetic acid treatment of pork carcasses pre-chill and/or pork meat cuts post-chill; [3] the potential selection and emergence of bacteria with reduced susceptibility to biocides and/or resistance to therapeutic antimicrobials linked to the use of the substances is unlikely as long as Good Hygienic Practices are implemented; and [4] the release of both organic acids is not of concern for the environment, assuming that wastewaters released by the slaughterhouses are treated, if necessary, to counter the potentially low pH caused by lactic or acetic acid, in compliance with local rules.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, genotoxicity and inhibitory effect on acute inflammation of an ethanol extract of Morus alba L. (Moraceae) in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morus alba L. (white mulberry) is used in traditional medicine worldwide, including Brazil. The leaves of this plant are used to treat inflammatory disorders. Universal interest in this plant necessitates studies on the toxicological safety and scientific substantiation of the medicinal properties of M. alba. In previous work, we investigated the acute toxicity of orally administered M. alba ethanol extract in mice. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work was designed to investigate the ethanol extract obtained from M. alba leaves for acute toxicity when intraperitoneally administered, in vivo genotoxicity, and potential to reduce acute inflammation. In order to further investigate the constituents of the extract, we also obtained the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of the extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis by thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed and the results were used to obtain the HPLC fingerprint. Acute toxicity of 300 and 2000mg/kg b.w. i.p. doses administered to mice for 14 days was evaluated. Genotoxicity was evaluated by counting the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the blood of mice that either received or did not receive the extract at 75, 150 and 300mg/kg b.w. per os. The anti-inflammatory effect of the same doses administered per os was investigated using the carrageenan air pouch model. RESULTS: The TLC analysis of the extract revealed the presence of a remarkable amount of flavonoids and cinnamic acids. The HPLC fingerprint showed the presence of one major peak corresponding to chlorogenic acid and two smaller peaks corresponding to flavonoids. In the toxicity assays, there were no deaths or deviations in behavior of treated mice as compared to the control at any dose. However, biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses showed that intraperitoneal injection caused several forms of damage to the mice, which were not observed in case of oral administration, studied in our previous work. Oral administration of the extract did not result in genotoxicity and considerably reduced (58.6-65.6% inhibition) leukocyte migration in all doses evaluated, in comparison with the negative control. CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol extract from M. alba leaves administered intraperitoneally possesses a greater degree of toxicity in mice when compared to per os administration. The extract was not genotoxic when ingested by mice and exhibited a highly inhibitory effect against acute inflammation, which is probably linked to the presence of chlorogenic acid and flavonoids in the composition. This work contributes to the determination of safety of the medicinal use of M. alba leaves.

Electronic cigarette: a threat or an opportunity for public health? State of the art and future perspectives.

The e-cigarette, also known as e-cig, represents an emerging issue of great concern for public health. The aim of the present report was to explore the scientific literature about the use of electronic cigarette (e-cig), with a particular reference to the features of "toxicological safety", "effectiveness in overcoming the addiction to smoking the traditional cigarette" and "necessary research agenda". The efficacy of e-cig for smoking cessation is uncertain: some authors found that it can be a valid support, but long-term cessation rate has not be assessed. Other studies evidenced that e-cig is often used not for quitting smoking but to avoid smoking ban for traditional cigarettes and, even, some researches evidenced that it appears to contribute to nicotine addiction. E-cig smoking seems to be less dangerous of conventional cigarettes, but its use is not risk-free. Besides, cases of accidental or intentional poisoning with liquid solutions of e-cig have been reported. Also, the smoke of e-cig decreases indoor air quality, releasing particulate matter and other toxics that can persist on surfaces for days and generating passive exposure. These phenomena are similar to environmental tobacco smoke produced by conventional smoking, that is the sum of second- and third-hand smoke. We propose to call them "environmental electronic smoke", "electronic-second- hand smoke" and "electronic-third-hand smoke", respectively. Uncertainties relating to e-cig features determined the sequence, in the short term, of warnings and regulations approved and then replaced. In conclusion, although in recent years many researches were performed, evidences is limited and there is a need to study in deep all these issues.

Anthelmintic activity of nanoencapsulated carvacryl acetate against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and its toxicity in rodents / Atividade anti-helmíntica do acetato de carvacrila nanoencapsulado sobre nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos e toxicidade em roedores

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of carvacryl acetate (CVA) and nanoencapsulated CVA (nCVA) on gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The CVA was nanoencapsulated with chitosan/gum arabic and the efficacy of nanoencapsulation (EE), yield, zeta potential, nanoparticle morphology and release kinetics at pH 3 and 8 were analyzed. Acute and subchronic toxicity were evaluated in rodents and reduction of egg counts in the faeces (FECRT) of sheep. The sheep were divided into four groups (n = 10): G1, 250 mg/kg CVA; G2, 250 mg/kg nCVA; G3, polymer matrix and G4: 2.5 mg/kg monepantel. EE and nCVA yield were 65% and 57%, respectively. The morphology of the nanoparticles was spherical, size (810.6±286.7 nm), zeta potential in pH 3.2 (+18.3 mV) and the 50% release of CVA at pHs 3 and 8 occurred at 200 and 10 h, respectively. nCVA showed LD50 of 2,609 mg/kg. CVA, nCVA and monepantel reduced the number of eggs per gram of faeces (epg) by 57.7%, 51.1% and 97.7%, respectively. The epg of sheep treated with CVA and nCVA did not differ from the negative control (P>0.05). Nanoencapsulation reduced the toxicity of CVA; however, nCVA and CVA presented similar results in the FECRT.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do acetato de carvacrila (ACV) e do ACV nanoencapsulado (nACV) sobre nematóides gastrintestinais de ovinos. O ACV foi nanoencapsulado com quitosana/goma arábica e foi analisada a eficácia de nanoencapsulamento (EE), o rendimento, potencial zeta, morfologia das nanopartículas e cinética de liberação em pH 3 e 8. Foram avaliadas as toxicidades aguda e subcrônica em roedores e a redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes (RCOF) de ovinos. Os ovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10): G1, 250 mg/kg ACV; G2, 250 mg/kg de nACV; G3, matriz polimérica e G4: 2,5 mg/kg de monepantel. A EE e o rendimento de nACV foram de 65% e 57%, respectivamente. A morfologia das nanopartículas foi esférica, tamanho (810,6±286,7 nm), potencial zeta no pH 3,2 (+18,3 mV) e a liberação de 50% de CVA nos pHs 3 e 8 ocorreu às 200 e 10 h, respectivamente. nACV apresentou DL50 de 2.609 mg/kg. ACV, nACV e o monepantel reduziram a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (opg) em 57,7%, 51,1% e 97,7%, respectivamente. A contagem de opg de ovelhas tratadas com ACV e nCVA não diferiu do controle negativo (P>0,05). O nanoencapsulamento reduziu a toxicidade do AVC; no entanto, nACV e ACV apresentaram resultados semelhantes na RCOF.

Fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and toxicological safety of bayberry kernel oil.

The fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and toxicological safety of bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) kernel oil (BKO) extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and solvent of diethyl ether were assessed. Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography, oxidative stability by placing the sample of 25g in a blast oven at 50±1°C to accelerate oxidation and toxicological safety by bacterial reverse mutation (Ames test) and acute oral toxicity in mice. The results demonstrated that in comparison to lard and rapeseed oil, the peroxide values of BKO were higher but the acid values were similar during the incubation test. The Ames test demonstrated no mutagenicity and no obvious acute toxicity were observed, suggesting that the BKO has potential as a novel edible oil.