Abstract

Safety evaluation of Rayner’s Flavor was carried out in Swiss albino mice and 52 mice were used for the evaluation. Forty out of 52 mice were used for determination of median lethal dose (LD₅₀) using modified arithmetical method of Reed and Muench. The LD₅₀ was determined at dose rate of 0.35 ml. Another 12 mice were divided into two groups of six per group. The first and second groups were administered Rayner’s flavor^® (0.05 ml) and water (0.05 ml) respectively. Blood samples were collected for hematology and biochemistry. Haematology revealed significant (P<0.05) increased PCV and neutrophils of the group administered Flavor. But biochemistry showed increased levels (P<0.05) of SG0T, sodium ion and decreased levels of bicarbonate ion (HCO^-₃), chloride ion (Cl^-) and urea, respectively. More so, Rayner’s flavor^® caused dullness, dizziness, gasping for air, jerking movement, lying in ventrally recumbency, shallow respiration and death. Hence, caution should be exercised when using Rayner’s flavor^®.

Keywords: Safety; Toxicity; Rayner’s flavor^®; Albino mice