Subchronic toxicity evaluation of leaves from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) in rats. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanaka, Wataru; Yokoyama, Daigo; Matsuura, Yasushi; Nozaki, Masahiko; Hirozawa, Naoya; Kunitake, Hisato; Sakono, Masanobu; Sakakibara, Hiroyuki
• Is Part Of: Toxicology reports. Volume 6(2019)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: BBL blueberry leaf -- G-CSF granulocyte colony-stimulating factor -- GM-CSF granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor -- IFN-γ interferon gamma -- IL interleukin -- MIP macrophage inflammatory protein -- NOAEL no-observed-adverse-effect level -- TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alpha; Blueberry leaf -- No-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) -- Oral toxicity -- Subchronic toxicity -- Rat; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Clinical toxicology -- Periodicals; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Hazardous Substances; Poisoning; Toxicology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 571.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.03.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7500

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Blueberry leaf may contain multiple compounds with beneficial effects, but limited about the safety. Powdered blueberry leaf has no toxic event at oral dose of daily 500, 1000 and 2500 mg/kg for 90 days in SD rats. No significant changes in food consumption, body weight gain and organ weights. A daily dose up to 2, 500 mg/kg body weight in both the sexes rats may indicate a NOAEL. An acceptable daily intake of blueberry leaf powder for humans is calculated to be 25 mg in dry weight per kg body weight. Abstract: Blueberry leaf may contain multiple compounds with beneficial effects. We conducted a 90-day toxicity study in rats to evaluate the safety of consuming the leaves of rabbiteye blueberry ( Vaccinium virgatum Aiton; RB species). Powdered leaves were administered daily by oral gavage at doses of 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. Treatment did not result in death or changes in the behavior and external appearance of the animals. No alterations were observed in hematological and serum chemical parameters, urinalysis, food consumption, body weight gain, or absolute and relative organ weights at the end of the treatment period, with the exception of some leukocyte percentages in male rats treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg blueberry leaf powder. The findings indicate that rabbiteye blueberry leaf is safe for consumption and should be investigated as a candidate functional food.