Subchronic 90-days toxicity profile of Salicornia ramosissima extract in rats

Abstract

Salicornia ramosissima, a halophytic plant rich in bioactive compounds, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. However, its long-term safety profile remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the subchronic 90-day toxicity of S. ramosissima extract in Wistar rats. Animals received daily oral doses of 100, 500 or 1.000 mg/kg/day of the extract or placebo, and key physiological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were assessed. Results indicated no significant adverse effects on body weight, food and water intake, or organ weights. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed no major toxicological concerns. Histopathological examination did not indicate any extract-induced lesions in any of the examined organs, which included gastrointestinal, respiratory, lymphoid, urinary, nervous, circulatory and reproductive systems. Complementary assays demonstrated absence of developmental toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and no mutagenic activity in the Ames test. Overall, these results indicate that subchronic administration of S. ramosissima extract is well tolerated in rats and does not elicit genotoxic or developmental toxicity, supporting its potential safe use as a functional food or nutraceutical ingredient.