Safety evaluation of the venom from scorpion Rhopalurus junceus: Assessment of oral short term, subchronic toxicity and teratogenic effect.

Rhopalurus junceus is the most common scorpion in Cuba and the venom is often used as a natural product for anti-cancer therapy. Despite this, no study has been published concerning its toxicological profile. The aim of the study was characterizing the short-term, subchronic toxicity and the teratogenic potential of Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom by oral route in mice.

Short-term intra-nasal erythropoietin administration with low sialic acid content is without toxicity or erythropoietic effects.

The objective of this investigation was to assess the toxicological potential of nasal formulation of erythropoietin with low sialic acid content (Neuro EPO) after 28 days of intra-nasal dosing in rats besides to evaluate the immunogenicity and erythropoietic effect of the test substance. Healthy Wistar rats of both sexes were used for 28 days subacute toxicity and immunogenicity assays. Doses evaluated were 3450, 4830 and 6900 UI/kg/day.

Prenatal effects of natural calcium supplement on Wistar rats during organogenesis period of pregnancy.

The potential of oral exposure to calcium and magnesium citrate, a natural product obtained from dolomite, to initiate teratogenesis was analyzed in Wistar rats. Animals received calcium and magnesium citrate oral doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg during the period of gestation from day 6 to 17 post conception. Maternal, embryo and fetal toxicity was evaluated.

Absence of hematological side effects in acute and subacute nasal dosing of erythropoietin with a low content of sialic acid.

The use of human recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) as a neuroprotective agent is limited due to its hematological side effects. An erythropoietin along with a low content of sialic acid (rhEPOb), similar to that produced in the brain during hypoxia, may be used as a neuroprotective agent without risk of thrombotic events. The objective of this investigation was to assess the toxicological potential of a nasal formulation with rhEPOb in acute, subacute and nasal irritation assays in rats.

Acute and subchronic oral toxicities of Calendula officinalis extract in Wistar rats.

We have studied the acute and subchronic oral toxicities of Calendula officinalis extract in male and female Wistar rats. A single acute C. officinalis extract dose of 2000 mg/kg dissolved in distilled water was administered by oral gavage for acute toxicity.