Evidence of gastro-intestinal system as an active and toxic target of sasanqua saponins extract

Sasanqua saponins extract (SSE) was prepared from the remainder of seeds of Camellia sasanqua after oil extract using ethanol as solvent. We have now evaluated the acute and subchronic toxicity of SSE by oral route in mice. A single oral administration of SSE (125-2000 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in adverse effects and the mortality rate of mice; the LD(50) of acute oral dose was determined as 1143.7 mg/kg for both sexes, with 95% confidence limit of 608.2-2150.6 mg/kg. In the subchronic toxicological study, SSE was administered orally at daily doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Mice of the 100 and 200 mg/kg SSE groups did not show obvious changes in the body weight, organ index and biochemical parameters, with the exception of a slight rise in serum GOT level and a decrease in triglyceride level. But mice of the 400mg/kg SSE group died during the treated period and showed severe gastro-intestinal tract distension and submucosal changes in the small intestine. We studied further the effects of SSE on the gastric and intestinal tract function at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, and found that, in mice after oral or intraperitoneal administration of SSE, the gastric empty and the small intestinal motility significantly decreased. The excretion time of feces was significantly prolonged by the oral SSE treatment. These results indicate that SSE is a kind of extract of a narrow active window and the its active and toxic target could be gastro-intestinal system.