Effect of Strelitzia nicolai seed arils containing bilirubin on Sprague Dawley rats

The discovery of the only human pigment bilirubin in the arils of Strelitzia nicolai, has opened up a new avenue in medical sciences. Previously, bilirubin was regarded as a toxic compound. Conversely, current case studies show somewhat preeminent levels of bilirubin in the body can act as a powerful antioxidant. This study attempted to provide a basis for identifying potential acute toxicities related to arils that comprise bilirubin. Twelve Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Group A was the control and was administered 1% Tween 20. The other groups were orally dosed with the seed aril extract (250μg/ml/kgbwt) once a day. After 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours one experimental group and the control were sacrificed. Haematological and histological studies indicated a possibility of kidney damage. However, the possibility of the extract causing this damage can be ruled out because this trend was seen in the control groups as well. This study reveals that an acute trial is insufficient in order to determine the toxicity of this extract. Further chronic studies need to be carried out.