E. tapos Yoghurt-A View from Nutritional Composition and Toxicological Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) is a tropical plant with documented health benefits, including weight reduction and improved cognitive function.
• Incorporating E. tapos extract into yoghurt presents a novel delivery method, but its safety profile requires investigation.
• No prior toxicity studies exist for E. tapos-infused yoghurt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate ethanolic E. tapos extract into yoghurt.
• To assess the toxicological effects of this novel E. tapos yoghurt formulation in a rodent model.
• To determine the nutritional composition and probiotic potential of the formulated yoghurt.

Main Methods:

• Ethanolic E. tapos extract was incorporated into yoghurt.
• Nutritional analysis and Lactobacillus growth assessment were performed.
• Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered single doses of E. tapos yoghurt (250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg) or saline (control).
• Toxicological assessment included body weight, food/water intake, plasma biochemistry, hematology, organ weights, and histology over 14 days.

Main Results:

• The formulated yoghurt contained 328 kJ energy, 3.6g fats, 8.2g carbohydrates, 2.7g protein, and 1.2g fibre per 100 mL.
• Peak Lactobacillus intensity was 1.6 × 10^5 CFU/g with 0.432 CFU/g titratable acidity.
• No significant treatment-related toxicity was observed in any group at any dose.
• No adverse changes in body weight, food/water intake, plasma biochemistry, hematology, or organ weights were detected.

Conclusions:

• The ethanolic E. tapos yoghurt formulation is nutritionally viable and supports Lactobacillus growth.
• A single oral dose of E. tapos yoghurt up to 2000 mg/kg did not induce toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats.
• These findings suggest that E. tapos yoghurt is safe for consumption in rodents, paving the way for potential human studies.