Acute Oral Toxicity Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Infusion in DDY Strain Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in herbal remedies such as cayenne pepper which is known for its versatility beyond its culinary use. Cayenne pepper’s phytochemicals, including capsaicinoids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals, offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory properties, making it a valuable ingredient in various fields such as veterinary medicine, agro-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, concerns regarding the potential risks of cayenne pepper consumption as herbal medicine arise. This study aims to determine the acute oral toxicity lethal dose 50 (LD50) of cayenne pepper infusion in female DDY strain mice and its effects on the mice's organs. The research involved 20 DDY strain female mice divided into 4 groups which are control group (administered with distilled water) and treatment groups that are given cayenne pepper infusion at doses of 5, 10, and 15 g/kg BW orally. The observed variables included mortality, clinical symptoms, physiological responses, and organ weight. Acute toxicity testing indicated that the cayenne pepper infusion falls into the category of practically non toxic formulations. Administration of the cayenne pepper infusion up to a dose of 15 g/kg BW did not induce toxicity symptoms, such as clinically pathological symptoms, macro anatomical organ changes, or mortality nor affect both weight gain and loss.