Effects of peel extract of hylocereus polyrhizus on blood parameter in mice / Nur Eizera herlena Mat Jahaya

Hylocereus polyrhizus, or commonly known as pitahaya, red pitaya and dragon fruit is a fruit originated from Mexico and is currently cultivated around the world. Previous studies have shown that HP possessed nutritional, commercial and medicinal values, especially as an antioxidant source. The objective of this study was to evaluate and determine the toxicity profile of HP on blood parameters. Mice were divided equally into two groups and were administered either the peel extract of HP (treatment group) or normal saline ( control group). The peel extract of HP was dissolved in normal saline and administered to mice via orogastric gavage method. No mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were observed upon administration of HP in both the acute and subacute toxicity studies. Blood samples were analyzed based on haematological and biochemical properties and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Blood analysis from 24-hour and 48-hour acute toxicity testing as well as subacute toxicity testing showed that acute exposure to HP peel extract did not affect the blood parameters. It is concluded that acute and subacute exposure to HP did not affect the blood parameters. These results offer a basis for further development of HP extract for use as a natural antioxidant.