Toxicological evaluation of karaya gum; acute and subacute oral toxicity in rats

Male and female albino rats (Wistar strain) were given single and multiple doses of karaya gum suspended either in peanut oil or mixed with basal diet at different concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 8 g gum/kg body weight. The plant gum did not elicit any overt signs of toxicity or death in both sexes of rats. Daily administration of karaya gum mixed with basal diet at different dose levels (0, 5, 20 and 40 g gum/kg diet) for a period of 90 days showed no adverse effects in male and female rats. The body weight, growth pattern, food and water intake were comparable with those of the normal rats. There were no significant biochemical, or morphological alterations in the vital organs of experimental animals.