Toxic effects and safety assessment of Xanthoceras sorbifolium bunge seed kernels

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (X. sorbifolia), an oil crop native to northern China, is valued for both its edible and medicinal uses. It has various applications, including the production of edible and bioactive oils, and is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the toxicity of X. sorbifolia, particularly its widely used seed kernels, remains unclear.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and safety risks of X. sorbifolia seed kernels based on human-recommended doses by in vitro or in vivo experiments, and integrating network analysis.

Materials and methods: In this study, rats and mice were employed as model organisms to investigate the acute toxicity of X. sorbifolia seed kernels. The experiments included the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation test, red blood cell micronucleus test, spermatocyte chromosome aberration test in mice, and a 90-day exposure study in rats to assess the potential toxicity and safety risks of the seed kernels. Based on this, combined with The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), the biological functions of the main active ingredients of X. sorbifolia were further explored through integrated network analysis, and the anti-inflammatory effect of X. sorbifolia was explored through cotton ball granuloma inflammation experiment.

Results: During the experimental period, animals in all treatment groups demonstrated normal growth and development. Although some detection indicators showed significant differences in different treatment groups, the results were still within a reasonable range. In addition, by screening the CTD, 120 target genes with potential interactions of the main active ingredients in the kernel of X. sorbifolia were obtained for analysis, and it was found that these genes were involved in important biological processes such as response to oxidative stress, response to reactive oxygen species, and regulation of inflammatory response. The cotton ball granuloma inflammation experiment in rats also suggested that X. sorbifolia tended to inhibit the proliferation of granulomas, indicating that the kernel of X. sorbifolia has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Conclusion: The findings suggested that X. sorbifolia seed kernels were safe within the recommended dosage range. As a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, it has certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study provides valuable reference guidelines for the clinical application of X. sorbifolia seed kernels and encourages further research into its potential uses and safety.