Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Safranal, a Constituent of Saffron, in Mice and Rats

The acute and sub-acute toxicity of safranal were studied in rat and mice within 2 and 21 days after exposure, respectively. For subacute toxicity, changes in weight as well as biochemical, hematological and pathological parameters were studied. The intraperitoneal LD(50) values of safranal were 1.48 mL/kg in male mice, 1.88 mL/kg in female mice and 1.50 mL/kg in male rats. Oral LD(50) values were 21.42 mL/kg in male mice, 11.42 mL/kg in female mice and 5.53 mL/kg in male rats. For subacute toxicity, safranal was administered orally to male rats once daily for 21 days. In hematological tests, a significant decrease in RBC counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets were observed. Safranal decreased cholesterol, triglyceride and alkalin phosphatase. Lactate dehydrogenase and serum urea nitrogen were increased by safranal. Histological studies indicated that safranal did not have any toxic effect on the heart, liver and spleen. However, pathological changes were seen in the kidney and lung. According to LD(50) values, safranal was low-toxic in acute intraperitoneal route and practically non-toxic in acute oral administration in both mice and rats. In subacute toxicity, safranal changed some hematological and biochemical parameters.