STUDY OF THE ACUTE TOXICITY OF THE THICK EXTRACT FROM ZINNIA ELEGANS FLOWERS

Abstract

Introduction. Determining the class of toxicity is an integral stage of the preclinical study of potential medicinal compounds, as it allows for the assessment of their safety for further use. The obtained results form the basis for subsequent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies and provide scientific justification for the safety of a new medicinal product before proceeding to clinical trials. The Aim of the Study – to determine the acute toxicity of the thick extract obtained from the flowers of Zinnia elegans. Research Methods. The study of acute toxicity of the thick extract from Zinnia elegans flowers was conducted on 24 outbred white rats of both sexes weighing 180–200 g. Animals in the experimental groups received a single intragastric administration of the extract at a dose of 5 000 mg/kg, while rats in the control group were administered drinking water at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The animals were observed for 14 days, recording their behavior, activity, general condition, and possible mortality. At the end of the observation period, the animals were euthanized, and a macroscopic examination of internal organs was performed, followed by determination of organ mass coefficients. Results and Discussion. The obtained results indicate the absence of toxic effects of the thick extract from Zinnia elegans flowers in rats of both sexes after a single intragastric administration at a dose of 5 000 mg/kg. No cases of death or behavioral changes were recorded during the experiment. The organ mass coefficients of males and females in the experimental groups did not show significant differences compared to control animals. The overall data obtained allow the investigated extract to be classified as a practically non-toxic substance. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that the thick extract from Zinnia elegans flowers can be classified as belonging to toxicity class IV – practically non-toxic substances.