Toxicity study of DHFCOP-A, chemical derived from empty oil palm bunch ash in mice

Abstract

Background: Deseeded Fruit Head Chemical of the Oil Palm – Fractionate A (DFHCOP-A) an anhydrous chemical, has a remarkable high pH 12-14 hence an alkali. DFHCOP-A is commonly used to prepare food delicacies native to the South-East part of Nigeria. Reports has shown cancer thrives in low pH. Cancer aggressiveness has been linked to the acidic extracellular microenvironment of tumour. The high pH of DFHCOP-A may have potentials to inhibit cancer growth.

Objective: In this study we investigated the LD₅₀ of DFHCOP-A in mice which will suggest doses for subsequent studies on its effect on tumour microenvironment.

Methods: Two methods were used, Lorke's method and the up and down procedure (UDP). The tests were carried out in male and female mice which involved subcutaneous and oral administration. In the Lorke's method, female and male mice were divided in groups of three (n=3) for subcutaneous and oral administration. Varying doses 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg were given. In the second phase, two groups (n=3), were administered 2000mg/kg and 5000mg/kg subcutaneously and Orally. For UDP, 5000mg/kg was administered subcutaneously (sc) to each male and female mouse in the limit test. In the main test, 7 and 12 male mice; 7 and 8 female mice were respectively treated subcutaneously and orally with up and down doses of 550mg/kg, 1750mg/kg, 2000mg/ and 5000mg/kg.

Results: By Lorke's method, LD₅₀ of 3,162mg/kg was obtained for both female and male mice by both routes. UDP estimated LD₅₀ is 2000mg/kg for female and LD₅₀ is greater than 2000mg/kg for male mice administered subcutaneously. LD50 for the orally administered female and male mice gave 5000mg/kg.

Conclusion: UDP appears better than Lorkes methods because it highlighted the differential sensitivities of the male and female mice to DFHCOP-A, where female mice are more sensitive which reflected in LD₅₀sc.