Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of a hydroethanolic extract from the fruit pericarp of mangosteen, that contained epicathechin based tannins as a major constituent, upon acute and subchronic treatments to experimental animals.  Intragastric administration of this extract to Swiss albino mice at a single dose of 2 and 5 g/kg body weight produced no toxicity signs during 14 days of observation.  For the subchronic toxicity study, the mangosteen extract at 400, 600 and 1,200 mg/kg body weight was administered by oral gavage to male and female Wistar rats daily for 12 weeks.  In all instances, consumption of the extract showed no effect on behavior, food and water intake, growth or health status of these animals.  In both sexes, their hematology values monitored throughout the study period did not alter from those of the control.  After the 12 weeks, no significant dose-related differences in blood biochemical parameters were detected among the female groups, but in all male groups, there were dose-variation increases in direct bilirubin compared with the control.  However, either gross necropsy or histopathological examination of their livers as well as other internal organs did not reveal any abnormal appearances. 

Key words: Acute toxicity, Garcinia mangostana, hydroethanolic extract, mangosteen, pericarp, subchronic toxicity.