Lack of toxicological effect through mutagenicity test of polyphenol extracts from peanut shells

The toxicological effect of polyphenols extracted from peanut shells was investigated in animal models. The safety data were needed to proceed with further clinical trials. The oral LD50 of peanut shells polyphenols was determined to be higher than 15,000 mg/kg body weight. We also carried out a sperm abnormality test, a chromosomal aberration test and a micronucleus test in rats. The peanut shell polyphenols did not cause any abnormalities in the system. Furthermore, the administration of peanut shell polyphenols did not significantly alter changes in body weight or clinical signs. These results strongly indicated that peanut shell polyphenols did not induce mutagenicity. The results of this study suggested a lack of toxicological effect and supported the further use of polyphenol-rich extracts from peanut shells as a potential natural antioxidant. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.