title: Evaluation of systemic and dermal toxicity and dermal photoprotection by sour cherry kernels.
abstract: The present report describes outcomes of animal studies conducted to determine the systemic and dermal toxicity of Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) seed kernel contents; and a separate evaluation of the photoprotective capacity of the kernel oil fraction. B6 mice and Hartley guinea-pigs were used for these experiments. Dosage groups of 6-8 animals were administered whole kernel meal in a dose range of 0-3000 mg/kg by gavage for 8 days, following which they were killed. The liver and kidney weights were recorded and histological examination performed on sections of these organs. Kidney function was assessed as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and liver function by measurement of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. Dermal toxicity was evaluated in a Hartley guinea-pig model by comparing UVB-irradiated shaved skin to which the kernel oil had been applied with distilled water controls. In conclusion, no evidence of toxicity was observed to result from the consumption or dermal application of sour cherry seed kernel in the dose range at which it is likely to be used in foods or healthcare. Moreover, it was shown to have a powerful capacity to protect skin from UV damage. These results suggest it will prove to be a highly safe and effective addition to a wide range of products for general use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
authors.forename: Istvan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bak
authors.forename: Attila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Czompa
authors.forename: Evelin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Csepanyi
authors.forename: Bela
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Juhasz
authors.forename: Heibatullah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kalantari
authors.forename: Khadija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Najm
authors.forename: Nasreen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aghel
authors.forename: Balazs
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Varga
authors.forename: David D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: Arpad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tosaki
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000473:pathology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027861:Prunus / Q000737:chemistry*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents