Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Acute Oral Toxicity of Two Anthraquinones

Abstract

Bioactive compounds have been a significant therapeutic agent for decades, but the use of bio-active natural metabolites in traditional medicines and the discovery of drugs are still active. Anthraquinones are one of the secondary metabolites that are responsible for colour, fragrance and flavour to the plant; also used as colouring agents in the food and textile industries. The present aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Quinizarine (QNZ) and 2-Methyl Anthraquinone (MAQ) in C8-B4 (microglia cell lines, Mouse), SH-SY-5Y (Neuroblastoma cell lines, Human). As well, the study extended to determine the acute toxicity of these compounds on rat Sprague Dawley. Inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) was determined for both compounds as well as acute toxicity of MAQ was determined in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat. The IC 50 values of MAQ and QNZ were 88.66 μg/ml, 55.33 μg/ml on C8- B4 and 88.68 μg/ml, 108.89 μg/ml on SH-SY-5Y, respectively. The acute toxicity study of fixed doses was carried out in female SD rats for both compounds. The LD 50 of QNZ and MAQ were found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg and less than 300 mg/kg, respectively. The haematological investigation did not show any significant variation changes among treated rats. The following biochemical parameters were investigated to include Kidney Function Tests (KFTs), Liver Function Tests (LFTs), lipid profile, electrolytes and Random Blood Glucose (RBG) were found no significant changes in the QNZ treated group as compared with the sham group but elevation of Na + , creatinine and SGOT levels in MAQ treated animals. Gross necropsy showed non-significant alteration upon QNZ administration but Lung inflammation was found in the MAQ group. The histopathological finding suggested no significant alteration in tissue histology in QNZ group but infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages in MAQ treated group. A high dose of both compounds for Single oral administration did not produce any significant alteration in morphological and behavioural parameters. The histopathological finding also supports the safety of both compounds in SD Female rats.