Toxicological study of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract

Toxicological study was carried out in rats with chloroform-soluble fraction of the nuts of Semecarpus anacardium to determine its safe non-toxic dose. The fraction produced toxicity at all levels tested (50-400 mg/kg) but the extent of toxicity was found dose-dependent. At lower doses this fraction induced partial growth inhibition over 36 days and higher doses proved fatal within 6 days. It was observed that 230 mg/kg caused 50% mortality in rats and this value is 1380 mg/m2 when expressed for body surface area. This work will be of some use in the cancer chemotherapy study of the fraction.