ACUTE TOXICITY OF Β-KITIN EXTRACTED FROM THE SHELL OF BLUE SWIMMING CRAB (PORTUNUS PELAGICUS LINN.)

Abstract

Objective: This work aimed to study the acute toxicity of β-chitin extracted from crab shells in Bal b/c mice. Method: The acute toxicity test was performed by following the OECD guidelines. Female mice were given single or divided doses of β-chitin (maximum 24 h) with doses of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/kg of BW. Observations were made for 14 d, including behaviour, body weight, organ weight, and histopathology of vital organs (stomach, heart, liver, kidney, and lung). Results: During 14 d, no deaths and no abnormalities in behaviour, bodyweight or organ weight were observed. Qualitative histopathological observations at the highest dose showed abnormalities of the liver and kidney compared to those of the control group. Nevertheless, the abnormalities did not affect the organ function. Conclusion: This acute toxicity study reveals that β-chitin up to a dose of 6000 mg/kg of BW is not toxic, as proved by the normal behaviour, body weight, and vital organ weight of the animals. Further chronic toxicities study is needed to confirm its safety.