Mild histological distortions in rat organs after a 14-day oral exposure to the slime extract of African giant land snails

Abstract

Objective

Snail slime possesses various pharmacological activities that are becoming attractive for zootherapy, thereby necessitating the profiling of its safety and toxicity. Therefore, using OECD 425 guidelines, this study assessed the acute toxicity of Archachatina marginata slime extract and performed a histological analysis of the vital organs.

Methods

Eighteen (18) Wistar rats were assigned randomly into three groups: control, 2000 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg bw slime extract. The dosing of the animals with 2000 mg/kg bw and 5000 mg/kg bw was done according to the limit test procedure, after which the animals were observed for 14 days. During the observation period, clinical and behavioral changes were recorded. The rats were euthanized after 14 days of monitoring, and their essential organs were excised for gross histological examination.

Results

There was no mortality during the observation period, and the LD₅₀ of A. marginata slime extract was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg bw. Although there were no behavioral alterations in the rats after oral exposure to the slime extract, the histological examination revealed mild cellular distortions in the rat organs. Furthermore, a preliminary chemical analysis of the slime extract revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolics.

Conclusion

A. marginata slime extracts may be grouped as low toxic substance based on the results obtained (LD₅₀ > 2000 – 5000 mg/kg). However, the histological distortions in rat organs following acute oral exposure to the snail slime extract not only warrant further, in-depth toxicological investigations but also caution in its use for traditional medicinal purposes.