Toxicological Evaluation of Alginic Acid, a Polysaccharide Isolated from Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kutzing on Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Alginic acid, a polysaccharide is one of the important phytochemical ingredients of brown algae, Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kutzing. T. conoides has been studied for various pharmacological activities, yet no toxicological information found in the literature therefore, preset study aimed at extraction and isolation of alginic acid and to assess the safety profile through acute and sub acute toxicity study in both male and female rats. Materials and Methods: Alginic acid was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. In acute toxicity study, female rats received 2000 mg/kg of isolated product, at a single dose on oral administration. In subacute toxicity study, both male and female rats were given with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the isolated product, orally, for a period of 28 days consecutively and behavioral changes, hematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were verified. Results and Discussion: In acute toxicity study, no morbidity or mortality was reported with alginic acid treated animals at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, there were no treatment related abnormalities observed in hematological and biochemical parameters except, decreased red blood cell count (400 mg/kg); increased platelets (200 mg/kg) in female rats and increased levels of liver parameters (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutaryl transferase); lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose) in both male and female rats. Histopathology studies revealed a slight infiltration of cells and congestion in blood vessels in the liver; congestion of alveolar tissue in lungs with 400 mg/kg treated animals. No behavioural changes observed. Conclusion: From the obtained results it is indicated that the oral administration of alginic acid (active principle of T. conoides) did not produce any significant adverse effects in rats of both the sex. Hence, alginic acid was considered as safe to use for further therapeutic purpose.