Toxicity evaluation of novel antidiabetic compound (11-methoxy-2-methyltridecane-4-ol) from marine macro alga, Gracilaria edulis

Abstract Diabetic mellitus is considered to be a global public health issue with high prevalence in Asian countries including India. Pharmaceutical approach using a wide range of existing drugs is problematic because of their side effects, toxicity and resistance. Natural ingredients are promising for the treatment of Diabetic mellitus including seaweeds. This study evaluates the toxicity and safety of a novel antidiabetic compound 11-methoxy-2-methyltridecane-4-ol extracted and isolated from the marine macroalgae Gracilaria edulis. The toxicity impact of this compound was assessed using Artemia franciscana model, Red Blood Cells hemolysis assay (RBC), cytotoxicity assay using 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes cell line models and in vivo acute toxicity tests using rat (Rattus norvegicus) model. The cytotoxicity tests with 1000 µg/mL concentration of 11-methoxy-2-methyltridecane-4-ol compound on A. franciscana, red blood cell hemolysis and 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes cell line did not show any adverse effects. Acute toxicity study on hematological and biochemical parameters of experimental and control rats (Rattus norvegicus) at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight recorded values within the normal range. The results of present study are indicative of the nontoxic nature and safety of this bioactive compound suggesting its utilization as a novel drug for long term treatment of Diabetes mellitus.