The effect of acute toxicity test of red dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel extract on body weight and organ index of Wistar rats

Background: Indonesian plant-based products are potential natural resources that can be developed as raw medicine materials, including dragon fruit peel extract. The peel of dragon fruit contains such high levels of antioxidants. The safety of dragon fruit plant-based products must be ensured by an acute toxicity test. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between dose and toxicity in acute oral administration of dragon fruit plant-based products on the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney organ index. Method: Each six male and six female with a total of 24 rats were divided into four test groups, i.e., control group, 1250 mg/kgBW; 2500 mg/kgBW; and 5000 mg/kgBW. A single-dose test was given, and effect observation continued for 14 days. Body weight and organ index between male and female rats were compared statistically by the Independent T-test at a 95% confidence level. Result: There were no animal deaths during the test, thus the LD50 value of dragon fruit peel extract was > 5000 mg/kgBW. In general, there was an increase in the body weight of animals. There was no significant difference in body weight among test groups in male (p 0.429 > 0.05) and female rats (p 0.721 < 0.05). There was also no statistical difference in organ index between the test and control groups (p > 0.05). The animals’ behaviours were also still normal manner. Conclusion: The extract was practically non-toxic in acute treatment. The organs and the behaviour were not altered by the extract.