Potential Production of Omega Fatty Acids from Scenedesmus obliquus Microalgae: Evaluation of Acute and Chronic Toxicity

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) as dietary supplements for medical use improve health. Methods: Acute and chronic toxicity were done using male and female Wistar rats. Results of acute toxicity showed no behavioral alterations, toxicity, or mortality in treated animals at a dose of 2 g/kg over 24 hours. In chronic study, no significant difference in the serum glucose, ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, and creatinine between treated and control rats were detected. However, there was a slight increase in the level of ALP and urea in male rats treated with O3FAs. Chronic administration of O3FAs with a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. /day for 12 weeks showed insignificant change in hematological parameters. However, the red cell distribution width (RDW-CV) was significantly decreased. Histopathological examinations indicated slight congestion in the glomerular capillaries and peri-tubular capillaries in the renal tissues. Meanwhile, hepatic parenchyma with slight congestion in the central vein and blood sinusoids has been detected. It could be concluded that, the daily use of 100 mg/kg of O3Fas for 12 weeks did not produce marked alterations in biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters and it is relatively safe and can be used as an adjuvant for treating various indicated diseases.