Effect of sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) on genotoxicity in mice (Mus musculus) and subchronic toxicity in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract

Introduction: Plukenetia volubilis is known as Sacha Inchi (SI) is originary from the peruvian amazone and it has been cultivated and consumed since the pre and Inca's time. Objective: Sacha inchi oil was assessed for genotoxicity in Balb C albino mice and subchronic toxicity in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Material and Methods: The genotoxicity was assessed in Mus musculus Balb C (n = 25) separated into five groups randomly selected of twenty-five each one. Groups were 10 mL / kg normal saline (NS), 40 mg / kg cyclophosphamide group (CP) and the three other groups received cyclophosphamide and sacha inchi oil of concentrations 10, 100 and 1000 mg / kg respectively. The substances were administered three times during 24 hours. The genotoxicity in mice was evaluated determining micronucleus levels in blood and bone marrow. The subchronic toxicity was assessed in goldfish (Carassius auratus) (n = 48) separated into four groups randomly selected of six each: normal saline group (control) and three groups that received doses of 10, 100 and 1000 µg sacha inchi oil per litre of water respectively for 45 days. Results:The values of weight, length, growth rate, condition factor (K) and number of survivors were recorded. CP group showed higher micronuclei levels in blood and bone marrow compared with sacha inchi oil 10, 100 and 1000 mg / kg groups (ANOVA Test p <0.01 Scheffe´s Post Hoc p <0.05, p <0.01 and p <0.001 respectively). The subchronic toxicity assessment in goldfish showed isometric growth, a decline in "K" and a similar specific percentage growth rate per day in all groups (ANOVA test p> 0.05). Conclusion: Sacha inchi oil was not toxic under experimental conditions.