Effects of hylocereus polyrhizus flesh on blood parameters in mice / Nur Mardhiya Darnalis

This study was conducted to determine the potential effects and toxicity associated with the use of Hylocereus Polyrhizus on blood parameters in mice. Two groups of six mice were given either the flesh with seed extract of HP (treatment group) or normal saline (control group).The flesh with seed extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus was administered by gavage with the use of oral needle. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture. No mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were observed upon administration of HP for both acute and sub acute toxicity studies. Blood analysis showed significant changes in certain blood parameters. In the acute toxicity study, the blood levels of urea were significantly lower in the treatment group. In the sub acute toxicity study, there were no significance differences between both groups for all parameters. It can be concluded that the flesh's extract of HP can affect certain blood parameters and possibly has hepatoprotective effects. Further studies are needed to validate these effects in order to ensure the safe consumption of HP fruit.