[Oral acute toxicity of (+)-usnic acid in mice and its cytotoxicity in rat cardiac fibroblasts].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the oral acute toxicity of of (+)-usnic acid in mice and assess its cytotoxicity in rat cardiac fibroblasts.

METHODS:

The mice with acute poisoning of (+)-usnic acid at different doses by oral administration were observed for toxic manifestations, and the LD(50) was determined. The survival time and survival rate of the mice receiving different doses of (+)-usnic acid were observed. Cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts were inoculated with different concentrations of (+)-usnic acid, and the cell growth inhibition rate was estimated and the IC(50) determined using MTT assay.

RESULTS:

Higher dose of (+)-usnic acid resulted in more obvious symptoms of poisoning and shorter survival time of the mice. The LD(50) of (+)-usnic acid in mice by oral administration was 388 mg/kg. The manifestations of poisoning such as apathism, pilomotor, chill, dyspnea, torpidity and anorexia was observed. Rat cardiac fibroblasts incubated with (+)-usnic acid showed obvious growth inhibition, which was positively correlated to the dose of (+)-usnic acid, and high dose of (+)-usnic acid caused severe cell injuries. The IC(50) of (+)-usnic acid in rat cardiac fibroblasts was 322 microg/ml.

CONCLUSION:

(+)-usnic acid is a natural compound of low toxicity in mice, and low to medium dose of (+)-usnic acid dose not produce obvious cytotoxicity.

• Authors: Yan-bin Cheng, Lin-lin Wei, Ning Gu, Kai-wei Si, Lin Shi, Xiao-qi Li, Chen Li, Yu-kang Yuan
• Journal: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 29 Issue 8 Pg. 1749-51 (Aug 2009) ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China
• PMID: 19726328 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Benzofurans
• usnic acid

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Animals
• Benzofurans (administration & dosage, chemistry, toxicity)
• Fibroblasts (drug effects)
• Lethal Dose 50
• Mice
• Myocardium (cytology)
• Rats
• Stereoisomerism