Compositional analysis and biosafety assessment of Cercis glabra seed oil

Abstract

Cercis glabra is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Although its seeds are inedible, they are rich in diverse unsaturated fatty acids and unsaponifiable compounds that may possess various biological activities. In this study, oil was extracted from Cercis glabra seeds via subcritical fluid extraction, and the fatty acid composition along with the unsaponifiable matter content were analyzed. The seed oil was then evaluated for cytotoxicity in HepG2 and HUVEC cells, acute oral toxicity in Kunming (KM) mice, and its in vivo effects on the growth, blood lipid profiles, renal function, and organ indices. The results showed an oil extraction rate of 8.69 %. The seed oil exhibited negligible cytotoxicity (up to 2 mg/mL) and no acute toxicity even at a high dose of 15,000 mg/kg body weight. Low-dose seed oil administration (400 mg/kg) promoted growth in mice, while a high dose (800 mg/kg) reduced blood lipid levels. Moreover, the seed oil did not induce significant adverse effects on renal function or other organs, indicating favorable biosafety and promising potential for future applications.