Comprehensive multiscale characterization, in vivo antioxidant activity, and subacute toxicity assessment of pearl...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Pearl powder, utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, is recognized for its detoxifying, regenerative, and anti-aging properties.
• This study focuses on pearl powder derived from Hong Kong pearl oysters (Pinctada imbricata).

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of pearl powder.
• To evaluate the in vivo antioxidant activity and subacute oral toxicity of pearl powder in C57BL/6J mice.

Main Methods:

• Physicochemical characterization involved Raman spectroscopy, HR-TEM, AFM, BET, and XPS.
• In vivo antioxidant activity was assessed using FRAP, TEAC, ORAC, and MDA assays in mice orally administered pearl powder.
• Subacute oral toxicity was evaluated over 28 days following OECD Guideline 407.

Main Results:

• Pearl powder demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, evidenced by increased FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC values and reduced MDA levels in liver, kidney, and spleen.
• The toxicity study revealed no mortality or adverse effects, establishing a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 500 mg/kg body weight.
• Minor biochemical variations observed lacked pathological significance.

Conclusions:

• Pearl powder possesses potent antioxidant properties and a favorable safety profile.
• These findings support the potential development of pearl powder as a natural therapeutic agent for conditions associated with oxidative stress.
• Clinical studies are necessary to validate these preclinical results.