Peer Review #1 of "Food additive “lauric acid” possess non-toxic profile on biochemical, haematological and histopathological studies in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (v0.1)"

Abstract

Background: Lauric acid (LA), a common constituent of coconut oil is used as food additives and supplements in various formulations. Despite various potential pharmacological properties, no scientific evidence on its dose-related toxicity and safety is available till date. Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate acute oral toxicity of LA on normal rats. Methods: Study was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines (OECD 423) with slight modifications. LA was administered orally to female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 6/group) at a single dose of 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight respectively, while normal control received vehicle only. Animals from all the three groups were monitored for any behavioural and toxicological changes and mortality for two weeks. Food and fluid consumption, body weight was monitored on daily basis. At the end (on day 15 th) of the experimental period, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Further, all the animals were euthanized, and internal organs were harvested for histopathological investigation using four different stainings; haematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff and Picro Sirius Red for gross pathology through microscopical observation. Results: Study result showed no LA treatment-related mortality and morbidity at two different dosages. Daily food and water consumption, body weight, relative organ weight, haematological, and biochemical analysis were observed to be normal with no severe alterations to the internal tissues. Conclusion: Current finding suggests that single oral administration of LA, even up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not exhibit any signs of toxicity in SD rats, thus, safe to be used on disease model in animals.