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. 2023 Feb 3;15(2):125. doi: 10.3390/toxins15020125

Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt

Rusydatul Nabila Mahmad Rusli 1, Ruth Naomi 1, Muhammad Dain Yazid 2, Hashim Embong 3, Kokilavani Perumal 1, Fezah Othman 4, Azmiza Syawani Jasni 5, Siti Hadizah Jumidil 1, Santhra Segaran Balan 6, Azrina Zainal Abidin 6, Khairul Kamilah Abdul Kadir 7, Hasnah Bahari 1,*, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria 8,*
PMCID: PMC9959104  PMID: 36828439

Abstract

The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one’s health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 106 CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.

Keywords: Fruits, Bouea macrophylla, phytochemicals, toxicological studies, nutritional studies, animal model

1. Introduction

Nowadays, the usage of plants and fruits as alternative supplements has become prominent due to their lesser toxicity and fewer side effects. In addition, the intake of fresh fruits has been shown to play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, which is a fact that is widely recognised. A tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, Bouea macrophylla, is also known as Gandaria mango or Plum mango. It is grown commercially in the ASEAN regions (Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia). These plants were reported to have beneficial effects, including the fruit, leaves, and seeds of the fruit. The leaves are commonly consumed raw as a salad in Malaysia and other parts of Asia, whereas the fruits are typically used in the preparation of jam, drinks, and ‘rojak’ [1]. It has been demonstrated that this fruit contains high levels of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, and other phytochemical constituents [2]. These mixtures might be answerable for the pharmacological potential of Bouea macrophylla as an antioxidant [1], antimicrobial, anticancer [3], antihyperglycemic, and antiphotoaging [4] agent. Consumption of Bouea macrophylla fruit can also increase the β-carotene concentration in the blood [5]. However, data on this fruit are still limited and the safety efficacy, particularly in toxicological studies, is still under-explored [5].

Recently, probiotics have drawn the attention of researchers due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties [6]. Probiotics are living microorganisms, which, when integrated into yoghurt, are speculated to improve the composition of gut microbiota. In light of the fact that probiotics play an important part in maintaining overall body health and there is a pressing need to find a more value-added and long-term application for Bouea macrophylla, the product was therefore developed to combine the positive effects of probiotics found in yoghurt with the pharmacological properties of Bouea macrophylla. However, the dosage and safety of consuming natural extracts are not guaranteed, as there is no published data available regarding the toxicity of Bouea macrophylla [5], specifically when it is combined with yoghurt. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the acute and subacute oral toxicity of Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

2. Results

2.1. Nutritional Analysis of Bouea macrophylla Yoghurt

The nutritional profile of the BMY was expressed as g/100 g of fresh weight without any food preservative, food flavouring and food colourant. Table 1 shows the nutritional profile of BMY formulation.

Table 1.

Nutritional analysis of BMY.

Parameter Amount Unit
Carbohydrate 5.79 ± 0.01 g/100 g
Protein 2.92 ± 0.00 g/100 g
Sugar 2.72 ± 0.00 g/100 g
Fat 3.29 ± 0.01 g/100 g
Energy 64 ± 0.01 kcal/100 g
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2.2. Microbiological Analysis of Bouea macrophylla Yoghurt

Based on our microbiological analysis, the pH value of BMY during seven days of storage at 4 °C was recorded at 4.51. Our study shows that there were two species of live microorganisms contained in the BMY (as seen in Table 2).

Table 2.

Microbiological analysis of BMY.

Microorganism Number of Colony Unit
Lactobacillus spp. 1.2 × 106 CFU/g
Bifidobacteria 2.0 × 1010 CFU/g
Titratable acidity as lactic acid 0.599 g/100 g
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CFU = colony forming unit; where results are expressed with an “E” this represents an exponential result to a base of 10.

2.3. Phytochemical Compound of Ethanolic Boeau macrophylla

The screening and identification of phytochemicals of phenolic compounds and other compounds were conducted under negative ionisation and compounds shown in the Table 3 belong to different groups of phenolic, terpenoid, alkaloid, benzenoid, and other groups of the compound.

Table 3.

The phytochemical compound of ethanolic Boeau macrophylla under negative ionisation according to different groups of phenolic, terpenoid, alkaloid, benzenoid, carbohydrate, benzopyran, and carboxylic acid.

Component Name Formula Molecular Weight (Da) Observed
Molecular Weight (Da)		 Observed m/z Mass Error
(ppm)		 Observed RT
(min)
PHENOLIC
Flavonoid
1. 2’’-O-Acetylrutin C29H32O17 652.16395 652.16070 651.15340 −5.0 0.73
2. 5′-Methoxy-bilobetin C32H22O11 582.11621 582.11600 581.10870 −0.4 0.98
3. Cryptomerin B C32H22O10 566.12130 566.12180 565.11450 0.90 0.83
4. Isolappaol C C30H34O10 554.21520 554.21330 553.20600 −3.5 6.84
5. Nevadensin-5-O-β-D-glucoside C24H26O12 506.14243 506.14210 505.13480 −0.6 12.11
6. Silybin C25H22O10 482.12130 482.12330 481.11600 4.10 1.19
7. 6-Methoxykaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside C22H22O12 478.11113 478.11130 477.10410 0.40 12.71
8. Eriodictyol-7-O-β-D-methyl-glucuronopyranoside C22H22O12 478.11113 478.11120 477.10400 0.20 8.24
9. Texifolin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C21H22O12 466.11113 466.11130 465.10400 0.40 6.62
10. 6-Hydroxykaempferol-3-O-glucoside C21H20O12 464.09548 464.09570 463.08840 0.50 9.23
11. Homoplantaginin C22H22O11 462.11621 462.11580 461.10860 −0.80 12.41
12. Rengyoside C C22H32O10 456.19955 456.19940 455.19210 −0.30 13.97
13. Cinchonain Ⅰb C24H20O9 452.11073 452.11060 451.10340 −0.20 9.99
14. Kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C21H20O11 448.10056 448.10060 447.09330 0.10 10.29
15. Sibiricaphenone C20H28O11 444.16316 444.16280 443.15550 −0.8 7.57
16. Epicatechin gallate (Epicatechin-3-O-gallate) C22H18O10 442.09000 442.09000 441.08270 0.00 9.04
17. 5,7,4′-Trihydroxy-8-C-β-D-flavanone glucoside C21H22O10 434.12130 434.12130 433.11400 0.00 8.70
18. Quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside C20H18O11 434.08491 434.08540 433.07810 1.10 9.61
19. Cnidimonal C23H16O7 404.08960 404.09140 403.08420 4.50 7.32
20. Quercetin-3-sulphate C15H10O10S 381.99947 381.99850 380.99120 −2.70 1.98
21. Vitamin B2 C17H20N4O6 376.13828 376.13800 375.13070 −0.70 6.97
22. (6aR,11aR)-2,8-Dihydroxy-3,4,9,10-tetramethoxypterocarpan C19H20O8 376.11582 376.11580 375.10850 0.00 14.26
23. Protosappanin C C16H14O6 302.07904 302.07870 301.07140 −1.30 4.74
24. Quercetin C15H10O7 302.04265 302.04160 301.03430 −3.40 10.29
25. Medicagol C16H8O6 296.03209 296.03180 295.02460 −0.90 0.98
26. Cnidimol F C15H14O6 290.07904 290.07880 289.07150 −0.80 5.32
27. 5,7,2’,5’-Tetrahydroxy-flavone C15H10O6 286.04774 286.04750 285.04030 −0.70 8.70
28. Genistein C15H12O5 272.06847 272.06810 271.06090 −1.20 8.70
29. Astragaline A C10H11NO4 209.06881 209.06820 208.06090 −2.90 4.69
30. Nepitrin C22H22O12 478.11113 478.11130 477.10400 0.30 7.33
31. 2′′-O-Galloylhyperin C28H24O16 616.10643 616.10540 615.09810 −1.70 10.63
32. Patuletin-3-O-glucoside C22H22O13 494.10604 494.10620 493.09890 0.30 6.48
Tannin
33. 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside C41H32O26 940.11818 940.12100 939.11380 3.00 9.65
34. Tellimagrandin Ⅱ C41H30O26 938.10253 938.10510 937.09780 2.70 9.65
35. Castalagin C41H26O26 934.07123 934.07180 933.06450 0.60 9.65
36. 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside C34H28O22 788.10722 788.10900 787.10170 2.30 7.38
37. Mallotinic acid C34H26O22 786.09157 786.09320 785.08590 2.10 7.71
38. Casuariin C34H24O22 784.07592 784.07720 783.06990 1.60 8.35
39. Pedunculagin C34H24O22 784.07592 784.07680 783.06960 1.20 8.57
40. 1,2,6-Tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside C27H24O18 636.09626 636.09690 635.08960 0.90 6.98
41. 2,4,6-Tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose C27H24O18 636.09626 636.09690 635.08960 1.00 7.19
42. 3,6-Di-O-Galloyl-β-D-glucose C20H20O14 484.08531 484.08560 483.07830 0.50 5.38
43. Glucosyringic acid C15H20O10 360.10565 360.10530 359.09800 −0.90 6.31
44. Ellagic acid C14H6O8 302.00627 302.00610 300.99880 −0.60 8.88
Phenylpropanoid
45. Tubuloside A C37H48O21 828.26881 828.27250 827.26520 4.50 0.88
46. Suffruticosol A C42H32O9 680.20463 680.20340 679.19610 −1.90 0.56
Phenolic acid
47. 1-Galloyl-glucose C13H16O10 332.07435 332.07450 331.06720 0.50 1.78
48. 3-Ethoxy-4,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid C9H10O5 198.05282 198.05230 197.04500 −2.80 7.32
49. Methyl-3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate C9H10O4 182.05791 182.05750 181.05020 −2.40 3.16
50. Gallic acid C7H6O5 170.02152 170.02110 169.01380 −2.40 1.78
51. Methyl gallate C8H8O5 184.03717 184.03670 183.02940 −2.60 4.95
52. m-Hydroxybenzoic acid C7H6O3 138.03169 138.03120 137.02390 −3.50 3.58
53. E-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid C12H14O5 238.08412 238.08380 237.07660 −1.20 7.49
54. cis-Caffeic acid C9H8O4 180.04226 180.04180 179.03450 −2.60 5.37
55. E-p-Coumaric acid C9H8O3 164.04734 164.04700 163.03970 −2.00 3.91
56. 1-O-Caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside C15H18O9 342.09508 342.09610 341.08880 2.90 5.37
Coumarin
57. Bergaptol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C17H16O9 364.07943 364.07920 363.07190 −0.60 7.34
58. Cichoriin C15H16O9 340.07943 340.07930 339.07200 −0.40 4.74
59. Calycanthoside C17H20O10 384.10565 384.10720 383.09990 4.10 0.57
Lignan
60. (-)-Olivil-4’-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C26H34O12 538.20503 538.20520 537.19790 0.30 8.88
61. (-)-Secoisolariciresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C26H36O11 524.22576 524.22640 523.21910 1.30 9.83
62. Indigoticoside A C26H34O11 522.21011 522.21040 521.20320 0.60 9.02
Quinone
63. 1,3,6-Trihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C21H20O10 432.10565 432.10570 431.09840 0.10 11.45
64. 2,5-Dimethoxybenzoquinone C8H8O4 168.04226 168.04180 167.03450 −2.90 3.46
Xanthones
65. 1-Hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetramethoxyxanthone C17H16O7 332.08960 332.08890 331.08160 −2.10 9.41
66. Neomangiferin C25H28O16 584.13773 584.13610 583.12880 −2.80 0.58
TERPENOID
67. Terrestrosin I C51H84O25 1096.53017 1096.5260 1095.51870 −3.80 0.49
68. Escin Ⅳg C53H84O23 1088.54034 1088.53660 1087.52930 −3.50 0.49
69. Quinquenoside Ⅲ C50H84O19 988.56068 988.55630 987.54900 −4.50 9.62
70. Yemuoside YM2 C31H42O16 670.24729 670.24750 669.24020 0.30 8.59
71. Lucidumoside D C27H36O13 568.21559 568.21650 567.20920 1.60 8.87
72. Asperuloside C18H22O11 414.11621 414.11810 413.11080 4.60 0.57
73. Dihydrobrusatol C26H34O11 522.21011 522.21030 521.20300 0.30 11.82
74. Reptoside C16H24O11 392.13186 392.13170 391.12450 −0.30 4.43
75. Vogeloside C17H24O10 388.13695 388.13650 387.12920 −1.20 5.66
76. Secoxyloganin C17H24O11 404.13186 404.13150 403.12430 −0.80 2.74
77. ApocynosideⅠ C19H30O8 386.19407 386.19380 385.18660 −0.60 6.75
78. Sweroside C16H22O9 358.12638 358.12600 357.11870 −1.10 5.07
79. Gentiopicroside C16H20O9 356.11073 356.11050 355.10320 −0.70 6.22
80. Thymol isobutyrate C14H20O2 220.14633 220.14580 219.13860 −2.20 12.08
81. Acetylpaeoniflorin C25H30O12 522.17373 522.17450 521.16720 1.50 11.88
82. Pseudosantonin C15H20O4 264.13616 264.13580 263.12850 −1.50 12.08
83. 3,5,7-Trihydroxychromone C9H6O5 194.02152 194.02160 193.01430 0.30 1.78
ALKALOID
84. Dauricumine C19H24ClNO6 397.12922 397.12860 396.12130 −1.50 0.57
85. Tryptophane C11H12N2O2 204.08988 204.08930 203.08200 −2.90 3.94
86. Arginine C6H14N4O2 174.11168 174.11120 173.10390 −2.70 0.51
87. Xanthosine C10H12N4O6 284.07568 284.07640 283.06910 2.50 5.10
88. Inosine C10H12N4O5 268.08077 268.08040 267.07310 −1.60 2.02
89. Guanine C5H5N5O 151.04941 151.04870 150.04140 −4.70 2.03
90. Mudanpioside E C24H30O13 526.16864 526.16620 525.15890 −4.70 5.26
91. Echinothiophene C23H26O10S 494.12467 494.12710 493.11980 4.80 2.42
92. 2,3,5,4’-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside C20H22O9 406.12638 406.12640 405.11910 0.00 15.38
93. Benzyl alcohol xylopyranosyl(1→6)glucopyranoside C18H26O10 402.15260 402.15230 401.14500 −0.70 6.53
94. Cnideoside B C18H22O10 398.12130 398.12330 397.11600 4.90 0.57
95. Isomaltose C12H22O11 342.11621 342.11620 341.10890 −0.10 0.69
96. Koaburaside C14H20O9 332.11073 332.11070 331.10340 −0.10 3.46
BENZENOID
97. Sennoside B C42H38O20 862.19564 862.19810 861.19080 2.80 3.14
98. Scroneoside B C23H26O11 478.14751 478.14740 477.14010 −0.30 12.41
99. 2,5-Dihydroxybenzeneacetic acid ethyl ester C10H12O4 196.07356 196.07300 195.06570 −3.00 5.07
100. m-Hydroxybenzoic acid C7H6O3 138.03169 138.03120 137.02390 −3.50 3.58
CARBOHYDRATE
101. Mannotriose C18H32O16 504.16903 504.16970 503.16240 1.30 0.74
102. Pentose C5H10O5 150.05282 150.05220 149.04500 −4.00 0.70
103. Galactose C6H12O6 180.06339 180.06290 179.05560 −2.60 0.69
BENZOPYRAN
104. Norbergenin C13H14O9 314.06378 314.06440 313.05720 2.10 1.79
CARBOXYLIC ACID
105. 2-(4-Hydroxybenzyl) malic acid C11H12O6 240.06339 240.06310 239.05580 −1.40 3.58
106. 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propane tricarboxylic acid-2-methyl ester C7H10O7 206.04265 206.04230 205.03510 −1.50 0.72
107. Quinic acid C7H12O6 192.06339 192.06290 191.05570 −2.30 0.65
108. Shikimic acid C7H10O5 174.05282 174.05230 173.04510 −2.80 0.65
109. Phenylpropionic acid C9H11NO2 165.07898 165.07850 164.07120 −2.90 2.55
110. Mono-ethyl fumarate C6H8O4 144.04226 144.04170 143.03440 −3.80 0.69
111. Methylsuccinic acid C5H8O4 132.04226 132.04170 131.03440 −4.10 0.69
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2.4. Acute Toxicity Assessment

The oral administration of a dose of BMY equal to 2000 mg/kg in SD rats did not result in any mortalities in the treated rats. The animals all behaved normally through the research project, and they all made it to the end of the 14-day experiment period alive. During the observation period, there were no distinguished clinical shifts that they exhibited. In terms of body weight, there was no noticeable difference between the control group and the group that received 2000 mg/kg BMY (Table 4). However, after oral administration of BMY, all of the animals showed a normal increase in body weight without a significant difference between the control group and the treated group. This was the case even though both groups had been given BMY. Based on relative organ weight, there was found to be no significant difference between the two groups (Table 5). Analyses involving haematological and serum biochemistry revealed that BMY did not result in any significant changes in any of the parameters (Table 6 and Table 7), demonstrating that it remains within the reference range. The histopathological examination of the liver and kidney in both the control group and the group that was treated with 2000 mg/kg BMY revealed no abnormalities, as can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2. As a direct consequence of this, the LD50 value for BMY was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg of body weight.

Table 4.

Effect of BMY on the body weight (mean ± SEM) of rats at 14 days.

Week/Group Group
Control 2000 mg/kg
1 285.12 ± 10.41 283.52 ± 15.13
2 309.13 ± 10.58 298.82 ± 8.10
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n = 3. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Table 5.

The relative organ weight (mean ± SEM) of Sprague Dawley rats in acute oral toxicity study of BMY.

Parameter/Group Group
Control 2000 mg/kg
Spleen 0.37 ± 0.01 0.48 ± 0.05
Kidney 1.35 ± 0.04 1.33 ± 0.28
Liver 5.75 ± 0.33 6.37 ± 0.34
Lung 1.12 ± 0.10 1.15 ± 0.09
Heart 0.61 ± 0.00 0.66 ± 0.15
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n = 3. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Table 6.

The haematology values (mean ± SEM) of SD rats in acute oral toxicity study of BMY.

Parameter/Group Group
Control 2000 mg/kg
Hb (g/L) 14.10 ± 1.05 15.73 ± 0.120
RBC (1012/L) 7.29 ± 0.57 7.98 ± 0.52
RDW (%) 13.46 ± 0.44 14.06 ± 0.31
PCV (%) 43.33 ± 3.84 47.33 ± 0.33
MCV (fL) 59.33 ± 0.66 59.66 ± 0.86
MCH (pg) 19.33 ± 0.33 19.66 ± 0.33
MCHC (g/dL) 32.66 ± 0.66 33.33 ± 0.33
WBC (109/L) 11.33 ± 2.27 6.50 ± 0.47
Neutrophils (109/L) 3.23 ± 0.83 1.46 ± 0.20
Lymphocytes (109/L) 7.67 ± 1.68 4.67 ± 0.37
Monocytes (109/L) 0.16 ± 0.67 0.16 ± 0.12
Eosinophils (109/L) 0.24 ± 0.20 0.17 ± 0.55
Basophils (109/L) 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00
Platelet (109/L) 936.67 ± 106.79 1054.33 ± 136.94
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n = 3. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Table 7.

The serum biochemistry values (mean ± SEM) of SD rats in acute oral toxicity study of BMY.

Parameter/Group Group
Control 2000 mg/kg
Sodium (mmol/L) 141.67 ± 0.88 142.00 ± 0.00
Potassium (mmol/L) 6.33 ± 0.17 6.63 ± 0.08
Chloride (mmol/L) 105.33 ± 1.20 105.67 ± 2.33
Urea (mmol/L) 12.03 ± 1.03 8.43 ± 0.79
Creatinine (mmol/L) 29.67 ± 2.02 29.00 ± 1.00
Total protein (g/L) 59.00 ± 2.08 64.00 ± 1.52
Albumin (g/L) 34.67 ± 1.33 38.00 ± 0.57
Globulin (g/L) 24.33 ± 0.88 26.00 ± 1.00
ALP (U/L) 218.3 ± 28.15 225.67 ± 30.20
AST (U/L) 143.00 ± 11.00 136.33 ± 5.23
ALT (U/L) 36.00 ± 3.60 38.67 ± 4.25
GGT(U/L) 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00
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n = 3. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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A section on histology was included in the acute toxicity study. There is no evidence of an abnormal lesion or tubular dilation in the kidney histology. It appears that the renal corpuscle is normal. In the kidney histology section, there were no abnormalities found at all. The histology of the heart section reveals that the architecture of the heart is normal with no evidence of inflammation. The myocardium is denoted by M and the nucleus by N. Standard strands of hepatocytes (H), sinusoids (S), and the central vein (CV) are all visible in the section of the liver. Since there was no evidence of steatosis, lobular inflammation, or hepatocyte ballooning, the liver was given a score of 0 on the grading scale.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Kidney, liver, and heart histology for subacute toxicity in the subacute control (SC) group and the BMY supplementation groups at varying doses (BMY 50, BMY 250, BMY 500, BMY 1000). There is no abnormal lesion or tubular dilation in the kidney’s histology. The renal corpuscle appears normal. The kidney histology section showed no abnormalities. Histological examination of a heart tissue sample revealed no evidence of inflammation or disruption to the heart’s normal architecture. The myocardium is denoted by M and nucleus by N. Hepatocytes (H), sinuses (S), and the central vein (CV) can all be seen in a typical liver section.

2.5. Subacute Toxicity Assessment

2.5.1. Body Weight, Food and Water Intake

Table 8 presents the results of measurements that were taken to determine the average body weight of rats that were part of the subacute1 and subacute satellite2 groups. It was found that neither the subacute nor the subacute satellite group experienced any significant shifts in their body weight. Although there was no significant difference between the groups of animals after the oral administration of BMY, all of the animals showed a normal increase in their body weight. There was also no significant difference found in caloric intake, total food consumption, or water consumption for the sub-acute group that received repeated doses of SC, BMY 50, BMY 250, and BMY 1000 over the course of 28 days. Moreover, during the 42 days of subacute satellite groups (SSC and SST 1000), there was no significant difference observed in the rats’ calorie intake, total food consumption, or water intake (Table 9).

Table 8.

Weekly body weight changes for subacute toxicity study. 1 The group was supplemented with BMY at various doses daily for 28 days in a subacute toxicity study. 2 Satellite group for subacute toxicity study which was given water vehicle or BMY at 1000 mg/kg daily for 28 days followed by no treatment for 14 days.

Week/
Group		 Subacute 1 Subacute Satellite 2
SC BMY 50 BMY 250 BMY 500 BMY 1000 SSC SST 1000
1 250.00 ± 8.56 275.00 ± 11.38 261.83 ± 15.72 272.50 ± 11.74 268.67 ± 14.88 274.83 ± 21.05 263.83 ± 14.98
2 352.50 ± 10.70 330.00 ± 11.03 312.50 ± 14.07 315.00 ± 14.55 320.00 ± 18.66 326.67 ± 18.51 315.83 ± 13.25
3 360.00 ± 10.65 351.67 ± 7.71 351.67 ± 13.27 340.83 ± 13.93 355.00 ± 20.29 364.17 ± 16.60 355.83 ± 15.57
4 361.67 ± 7.03 366.67 ± 10.54 364.17 ± 10.03 360.00 ± 12.97 368.33 ± 21.36 388.33 ± 16.16 387.50 ± 17.74
5 - - - - - 415.83 ± 17.63 426.67 ± 17.45
6 - - - - - 428.33 ± 19.78 431.67 ± 17.78
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n = 6. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

Table 9.

Total food intake, caloric intake and water intake for both subacute toxicity 1 and subacute satellite 2.

Subacute 1 Subacute Satellite 2
SC BMY 50 BMY 250 BMY 500 BMY 1000 SSC SST 1000
Total food consumption (g) 737.30 ± 27.50 746.67 ± 15.43 747.83 ± 23.93 735.00 ± 30.31 732.67 ± 51.96 1146.25 ± 29.02 1155.00 ± 35.00
Calorie intake (KJ) 9437.87 ± 353.07 9557.33 ± 197.54 9572.27 ± 306.40 9408.00 ± 224.00 9378.00 ± 665.1 14,672 ± 371.46 14,784.00 ± 448.00
Total water intake (mL) 886.67 ± 11.67 875.00 ± 26.73 880.83 ± 11.67 898.33 ± 21.03 892.50 ± 61.45 1627.50 ± 18.9 1685.83 ± 23.33
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n = 6. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

2.5.2. Relative Organ Weight

Table 10 displays the results of the organ relative weight measurements taken from SD rats that were assigned to the subacute1 or subacute satellite2 groups. The relative weight of the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart shows that there were no significant differences (p < 0.05).

Table 10.

The relative organ weight for both subacute toxicity 1 and subacute satellite 2.

Parameter/Group Subacute 1 Subacute Satellite 2
SC BMY 50 BMY 250 BMY 500 BMY 1000 SSC SST 1000
Kidney 0.74 ± 0.48 0.82 ± 0.26 0.82 ± 0.24 0.82 ± 0.30 0.81 ± 0.76 0.73 ± 0.31 0.75 ± 0.43
Liver 3.77 ± 0.14 3.95 ± 0.10 3.78 ± 0.10 3.50 ± 0.28 3.63 ± 0.13 3.60 ± 0.18 3.94 ± 0.18
Lung 0.57 ± 0.66 0.65 ± 0.43 0.66 ± 0.49 0.74 ± 0.42 0.74 ± 0.28 0.63 ± 0.02 0.68 ± 0.05
Heart 0.32 ± 0.17 0.37 ± 0.08 0.36 ± 0.15 0.40 ± 0.31 0.39 ± 0.30 0.43 ± 0.07 0.40 ± 0.03
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n = 6. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean.

2.5.3. Haematology and Biochemistry Analysis

According to Table 11, the haematology parameters of the subacute groups1 differ significantly (p < 0.05) from one another, except for MCH, MCHC, and lymphocytes. Significant differences are detected in MCH value between rats from groups BMY50 and BMY1000 compared to the SC group. MCHC value also shows a significant increase in all groups supplemented with various doses of BMY compared to the SC group. Lymphocytes’ level also displays a significant decrement in BMY 50 and BMY 500 groups compared to the SC group. In the subacute satellite groups, on the other hand, no significant changes were seen in any of the haematology parameters. Table 12 presents the serum biochemical parameters that have been categorised as either renal parameters (such as sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine) or liver parameters (such as total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). Renal parameters for subacute groups1 show no significant changes. In contrast, the liver parameters of the subacute groups1 display a significant increase in the albumin level of both the BMY50 and BMY500 groups in comparison to the SC group. When compared to the SC group, the levels of globulin are found to be significantly decreased in the BMY 500 and BMY 1000 groups. The remaining liver parameters for the subacute group exhibited no significant difference. However, in subacute satellite groups, all renal and liver parameters show no significant changes.

Table 11.

The haematology values for both subacute toxicity 1 and subacute satellite 2.

Parameter/Group Subacute 1 Subacute Satellite 2
SC BMY 50 BMY 250 BMY 500 BMY 1000 SSC SST 1000
Hb (g/L) 15.53 ± 0.56 16.22 ± 0.39 17.10 ± 0.24 16.12 ± 0.37 17.00 ± 0.39 16.9 ± 0.29 16.7 ± 0.58
RBC (1012/L) 8.85 ± 0.28 8.43 ± 0.25 8.95 ± 0.20 8.55 ± 0.17 8.77 ± 0.14 9.12 ± 0.28 9.17 ± 0.38
RDW (%) 17.65 ± 0.43 16.53 ± 0.49 16.70 ± 0.38 16.48 ± 0.56 16.38 ± 0.25 16.2 ± 0.68 16.9 ± 0.51
PCV (%) 57.33 ± 1.48 55.50 ± 1.57 58.50 ± 0.89 54.50 ± 1.26 56.17 ± 1.25 55.00 ± 0.89 53.9 ± 1.99
MCV (fL) 62.67 ± 0.71 66.00 ± 0.58 65.33 ± 0.56 63.67 ± 0.49 64.00 ± 1.10 60.7 ± 0.98 58.70 ± 0.5
MCH (pg) 18.00 ± 0.31 19.33 ± 0.21 * 18.83 ± 0.17 19.00 ± 0.00 19.20 ± 0.37 * 18.00 ± 0.70 18.30 ± 0.21
MCHC (g/dL) 28.20 ± 0.20 29.33 ± 0.21 * 29.33 ± 0.21 * 30.00 ± 0.00 * 30.40 ± 0.24 * 30.83 ± 0.30 31.20 ± 0.17
WBC (109/L) 21.28 ± 2.45 12.17 ± 1.95 14.37 ± 1.66 10.53 ± 1.79 14.85 ± 0.89 11.43 ± 2.05 17.10 ± 4.76
Neutrophils (109/L) 3.10 ± 0.48 2.78 ± 0.92 2.67 ± 0.48 3.85 ± 1.57 2.47 ± 0.21 2.81 ± 0.28 2.30 ± 0.38
Lymphocytes (109/L) 13.57 ± 0.61 8.23 ± 1.42 * 10.60 ± 1.24 7.98 ± 1.10 * 11.70 ± 0.76 7.40 ± 1.50 7.70 ± 1.83
Monocytes (109/L) 0.67 ± 0.10 0.90 ± 0.21 0.88 ± 0.12 1.24 ± 0.40 0.50 ± 0.03 0.52 ± 0.11 0.86 ± 0.18
Eosinophils (109/L) 0.20 ± 0.02 0.16 ± 0.02 0.20 ± 0.03 0.15 ± 0.03 0.14 ± 0.01 0.16 ± 0.04 0.17 ± 0.07
Basophils (109/L) 0.13 ± 0.02 0.05 ± 0.02 0.05 ± 0.02 164.35 ± 164.33 0.12 ± 0.08 0.05 ± 0.02 0.02 ± 0.02
Platelet (109/L) 1036.83 ± 35.07 1115.00 ± 52.08 1084.33 ± 86.32 854.17 ± 164.97 1227.00 ± 56.19 982.90 ± 49.2 1060.90 ± 41.4
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n = 6. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. (*) indicate a significant difference at p < 0.05.

Table 12.

The serum biochemistry values for both subacute toxicity 1 and subacute satellite 2.

Parameter/Group Subacute 1 Subacute Satellite 2
SC BMY 50 BMY 250 BMY 500 BMY 1000 SSC SST1000
Sodium (mmol/L) 144.50 ± 0.56 144.83 ± 0.40 145.00 ± 0.82 146.00 ± 0.83 143.60 ± 0.40 146.1 ± 0.65 147.5 ± 0.72
Potassium (mmol/L) 9.60 ± 0.25 4.20 ± 1.90 4.35 ± 1.94 6.51 ± 1.40 7.15 ± 1.45 2.87 ± 1.81 3.65 ± 1.66
Chloride (mmol/L) 98.17 ± 0.70 96.67 ± 0.84 98.83 ± 0.40 98.00 ± 0.36 98.33 ± 0.61 99 ± 0.52 101.1 ± 0.48
Urea (mmol/L) 7.02 ± 0.29 9.07 ± 0.68 7.73 ± 0.37 9.43 ± 0.91 8.57 ± 0.59 7.85 ± 0.32 6.35 ± 0.35
Creatinine (mmol/L) 56.00 ± 2.48 54.83 ± 3.73 53.50 ± 1.18 48.00 ± 2.72 46.83 ± 1.25 41.17 ± 7.63 35.00 ± 2.31
Total protein (g/L) 69.67 ± 0.80 70.33 ± 1.45 69.83 ± 0.65 64.33 ± 4.15 67.50 ± 1.67 70.83 ± 1.38 69.33 ± 2.10
Albumin (g/L) 39.80 ± 0.67 42.83 ± 0.70 * 42.67 ± 0.67 42.83 ± 0.60 * 41.40 ± 0.81 40.5 ± 0.99 40.67 ± 0.95
Globulin (g/L) 31.50 ± 1.41 27.50 ± 0.85 27.17 ± 0.91 21.76 ± 4.13 * 25.50 ± 1.02 * 30.33 ± 1.05 28.67 ± 1.23
ALP (U/L) 199.00 ± 8.13 200.50 ± 17.27 175.83 ± 9.36 202.00 ± 9.67 160.00 ± 11.66 147.3 ± 4.94 128.67 ± 7.52
AST (U/L) 118.83 ± 10.33 102.50 ± 8.76 98.33 ± 7.67 103.33 ± 9.49 85.17 ± 3.66 99.83 ± 5.26 82 ± 4.93
ALT (U/L) 64.83 ±4.13 46.83 ± 3.32 53.83 ± 4.18 58.50 ± 5.27 55.330 ± 3.40 52.17 ± 1.25 43.83 ± 1.70
GGT (U/L) 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00 13.00 ± 0.00
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n = 6. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. (*) indicate a significant difference at p < 0.05.

2.5.4. Histopathological Changes

Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate the histological findings that were discovered in the kidney, liver, and heart sections of the subacute and subacute satellite groups, respectively. Compared with the SC group, the histopathological images of the kidney sections of rats supplemented with BMY 50, BMY 250, BMY 500, and BMY 1000 showed no abnormalities. Rats that were given BMY had a structure that was comparable to that of rats in group SC in terms of their glomeruli, tubules, and interstitial space. In all of the groups that were given BMY, there were no indications of inflammation, pyknotic nucleus, or congestion of white blood cells that could be seen. In the subacute satellite group for subacute toxicity, the SST 1000 showed kidney architecture that was comparable to that of the SSC group. There was no inflammation, cell congestion, or pyknotic nucleus in either of the groups. Histopathological examination of liver sections taken from the subacute control group as well as groups supplemented with various doses of BMY (50 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg) revealed a normal appearance of the central vein and hepatic sinusoids lined by endothelial cells with normal radiating hepatocytes. During the subacute satellite study, the architecture of the SST 1000 liver was found to be comparable with the SSC group. There was no evidence of inflammation or WBC congestion. Histopathology examination of heart tissue obtained from both subacute and subacute satellite groups revealed the presence of transverse striation of cardiac muscle cells, a central nucleus, epicardium, and mesothelial pavement cells.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Histology of liver, kidney and heart for subacute satellite control (SSC) and subacute satellite 1000 mg/kg (SST 1000). There is no abnormal lesion or tubular dilation in the kidney’s histology. The kidneys appear to have healthy corpuscles. The kidney histology section showed no abnormalities. Histological examination of a heart tissue sample revealed no evidence of inflammation or disruption to the heart’s normal architecture. The myocardium is denoted by M and nucleus by N. Hepatocytes (H), sinuses (S), and the central vein (CV) can all be seen in a typical liver section.

3. Discussion

This study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, ethanol-extracted Boeau macrophylla (Figure 4) was incorporated into yoghurt and characterised for its nutritional composition, as well as its phytochemical identification. Based on the nutritional analysis conducted in this study, BMY can be classified under low-sugar yoghurt as it only has 2.72 g of sugar per 100 g. This is according to the cut-off point indicated by European Union (EU) regulations, where a product which contains <5 g of sugar per 100 g can be claimed to be low sugar [7]. Meanwhile, according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, the composition of fat, protein, and carbohydrate of our formulated BMY meet the standard sets of yoghurt (fat >3.25; protein ≤4.4; carbohydrate ≥7.5) [8].

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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(A) Fresh Bouea macrophylla fruit, (B) Bouea macrophylla fruit without seed, (C) Bouea macrophylla flesh powder.

Based on the phytochemical screening of ethanolic Boeau macrophylla conducted in this study, most of the compounds identified belong to the phenolic and terpenoid groups. Across the compound list, the phenolic group with diverse sub-classes were detected and flavonoids were the dominant sub-classes discovered, with 32 compounds out of 66 compounds of the phenolic group. According to the previous study, flavonoids have long to be known to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties [9,10]. Apart from flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acid are other groups of sub-classes of the phenolic group that are primarily found in ethanolic Boeau macrophylla. Both tannins and phenolic acid have been reported to have great antioxidant properties [11]. Specifically, gallic acid, which is common phenolic acid found in this study, was reported to exhibit a nephroprotective effect [12]. In this study, the terpenoid group of compounds is also abundant in ethanolic Boeau macrophylla, which possesses various health benefits. For instance, the previous study demonstrated that terpenoids or isoprenoid display antidiabetic action in mice [13] and also exhibit cytotoxicity against tumour cells [14].

In the second part of this study project, the formulated BMY was put through its paces in terms of toxicity testing, which included testing for both acute and subacute oral toxicity. BMY can be considered nontoxic based on the acute toxicity classification method. The LD50 of BMY is greater than 2000 mg/kg of body weight, and a single dose of 2000 mg/kg per body weight did not result in any mortality, behavioural abnormalities, postural changes, or significant differences in the rats’ body weights. As shown in the haematology result (Table 6), the WBC was reduced in the 2000 mg/kg but was not significantly different to the control, which might be due to the suppressive effect of some components such as flavonoids and tannins in BMY on bone marrow [15]. There were no perceptible differences found in the relative weight of the organs or the biochemistry of the serum. This was supported by the findings of the histopathological section, which revealed that the kidney, liver, and heart all displayed normal histological characteristics.

Subacute studies provide information on dosage regimens, toxicity to vital organs, and adverse effects that may affect the average life span of an experimental animal. Rats in this study that were subjected to subacute oral toxicity for a period of 28 days showed no signs of mortality, and there were no noticeable changes in their behaviour, regardless of the different doses that were administered (50 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg). One of the crucial indications in evaluating an animal’s health status is body weight [16]. In this study, all rats exhibited normal increments of body weight without any significant differences detected. This indicates that BMY did not interfere with the normal metabolism of the experimented rats [17]. The findings of this study also indicate that there were no organ injuries either atrophy or hypertrophy or swell [18,19], since there were no significant differences in relative organ weight between rats supplemented with various doses of BMY and the subacute control group. This indication could be supported by a histopathological evaluation of vital organs that are influenced by metabolic reactions caused by toxicants [20]. Through these histopathological evaluation results, no significant damage was found in the three critical organs (liver, kidney, and heart).

In this present study, haematology parameters were analysed to assess for toxicity in BMY. The haematopoietic system is one of the organs that is most affected by toxic substances and is a good indicator of how healthy or sick a person or animal is [21]. Based on our study, all haematology parameters showed no significant changes except for MCH, MCHC, and lymphocytes. However, the values still lie within the normal reference range [22,23]. Remarkably, the WBCs (Table 11) were slightly reduced across BMY-administrated groups, but were not statistically significantly different to the control group (SC), which might be due to the suppressive effect on growth and differentiation factors in the bone marrow by some components such as flavonoids and tannins in BMY [15]. In satellite, a subacute toxicity study that serves as an adverse event assessment of BMY exposure showed that all haematology parameters did not exert any significant changes between the control group (SSC) and SST 1000. This suggests our formulated BMY did not alter the production of circulating RBC, WBC, or platelets.

In addition to haematology parameters, the utilisation of blood serum or plasma enzymes can function as a diagnostic tool for the detection of organ damage, cell damage, enzyme induction, activation, or inhibition [15]. It is possible to use some different blood parameters to evaluate the extent of the damage done to tissues, potential target organs, and organ function impairment. Renal parameters such as sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine, as well as liver parameters such as total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), are essential in determining whether or not there has been a change in metabolic function involving the kidney and liver [24]. In this study, the subacute administration of BMY did not cause any damage to the kidney, as evidenced by the fact that renal parameters did not significantly change in either the control group or the various BMY-supplemented groups. These insignificant changes in renal parameters were also presented in both satellite subacute groups (SSC and SST 1000). Notably, the level of potassium (Table 12), was slightly increased in the control group (SC) compared across the BMY-administered groups. However, this increment was considered toxicologically irrelevant as this change is not significant statistically. On the other hand, in liver parameters, the level of albumin significantly increased in BMY 50 and BMY 500 groups compared to the SC group. Contrary to this, a significant decrease was detected in the level of globulin in BMY 500 and BMY 1000 compared to the SC group. Yet, the values still lie within the normal reference range [22]. Total protein ALT, AST, and ALP did not exhibit any significant changes across all groups either within subacute groups or within satellite subacute groups. Insignificant changes in ALT, AST, and ALP, as well as creatinine, serve as good indicators of liver and kidney functions [25].

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, as BMY produced no evidence of toxicity in both acute and subacute oral toxicity studies, we can conclude that formulated Bouea macrophylla yoghurt is non-toxic and tolerable up to 2000 mg/kg. The histology examination revealed no significant changes in the internal organs of the rats, such as the kidney, liver, and heart, in both the control and supplemented groups. To complete the safety profile of this newly formulated BMY, additional studies in future on sub-chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, and compound toxicity are required before proceeding with clinical trials.

5. Materials and Methods

5.1. Collection of Bouea macrophylla

Fresh fruits of Bouea macrophylla were obtained from Kelantan, Malaysia and sent for identification to the Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia. (UPMSK3154117).

5.2. Extraction Bouea macrophylla Fruit

The flesh of the fruits was separated from the seed and peel. Water was removed from flesh of the fruit by using a fruit juice extractor. Approximately 100 g of ground Bouea macrophylla flesh were soaked in 300 mL of food-grade ethanol with a sonicator at 50 Hz with a 1 h interval for 3 days [26]. The mixture was then filtered with Whatman’s filter paper No. 1, and the leftover material was re-extracted twice. The filtrates were combined and then evaporated using a Source Turbo (turbo mode) for 1 h, 5K feet, 40 °C, followed by freeze drying, Labconco, Kansas City, MO. Bouea macrophylla flesh powdered ethanol extract was kept at −20 °C.

5.3. Preparation of Bouea macrophylla Yoghurt

The incorporation of yoghurt with Bouea macrophylla fruit extract was conducted based on Fidelis et al. 2021 [27]. In order to make yoghurt, 100 mL of fresh cow’s milk was brought to a temperature of 72 °C for thirty minutes before being lowered to 45 °C. Approximately, 0.06 g (0.06% w/w) of starter culture (Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) were added. The mixture was incubated using a yoghurt maker at 40–45 °C for 7–10 h until pH dropped to 4.5–4.6 [27]. After that, the yoghurt was stabilised by cooling at 4 °C overnight. 2 g of Bouea macrophylla flesh powder extraction was added into 100 mL yoghurt to obtain an approximate final concentration of 2000 mg/100 mL (20 mg/mL).

5.4. Characterisation of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt

Nutritional analysis was carried out to determine the protein, energy, fat, sugar and carbohydrate content in the formulated Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY). The protein content of the BMY was measured using the Kjeldahl method [28]. BMY yoghurt was placed into a Kjeldahl flask and digested with H2SO4 and a catalyst. Dilution with H2O and neutralisation with sodium thiosulfate to obtain a boric acid solution were then carried out. Then, hydrochloric acid was used to titrate the borate anions, which eventually formed nitrogen. The crude protein was calculated by multiplying with the conversion factor of 6.38 using the formula (1) below:

% N × 6.38 = % protein (1)

The number of carbohydrates was determined by using phenol sulfuric acid, and the results were read off using a spectrophotometer at an absorbance of 490 nm [29]. In order to determine the amount of sugar present in the BMY, the refractometric method was applied. The presence of boundary lines in the refraction field was observed and recorded, and the refractive index was identified [30]. The amount of fat was determined by following the Garber protocol [31], and the amount of energy was determined by following the procedure outlined in the Malaysian food composition database [32]. The Formulas (2 and 3) used to calculate energy (kcal) are as follows:

Energy, kcal/100 g = [Fat] × 9 + [Protein] × 4 + [Carbohydrate] × 4 (2)
Energy, kJ/100 g = kcal × 4.184 (3)

The pH of the prepared yoghurt was determined using a benchtop pH metre. The microbiological analysis was also performed to determine the numbers of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacteria spp., lactic acid bacteria, and titratable acidity as lactic acid. Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp. were counted using the pour plate technique and serial dilutions in phosphate-buffer saline (1% PBS). After anaerobic incubation at 37 °C for 72 h, plate counts of Bifidobacteria spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were performed in Bifidobacterium agar and MRS agar (pH 6.2) containing 1 mg/L sorbitol, respectively. Results were expressed as colony-forming units per mL (CFU/mL) [33].

5.5. Phytochemical Screening

UHPLC was used to analyse the chemical components (ACQUITY UPLC I-Class system from Water Corp., Milford, MA, United States). Compounds were separated chromatographically using a column manufactured by Waters called ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (100 mm × 2.1 mm × 1.8 μm), which was kept at a temperature of 40 °C. Mobile phases A and B were used in a linear binary gradient with water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile (mobile phase B). During the run, the composition of the mobile phase was altered as follows: at 0 min, it contained 1% B; at 0.5 min, it contained 1% B; at 16.00 min, it contained 35% B; at 18.00 min, it contained 100% B; and at 20.00 min, it contained 1% B. The volume of injection was 1 μL, and the flow rate was set to 0.6 mL/min. The UHPLC system was connected to a hybrid mass spectrometer from Waters called a Vion IMS QTOF. This mass spectrometer was fully equipped with a Lock Spray ion source. The ion source was performed in the negative electron-spray ionisation (ESI) mode under the following particular operating conditions: the capillary voltage was 1.50 kV, the reference capillary voltage was 3.00 kV, the source temperature was 120 °C, the desolvation gas temperature was 550 °C, the desolvation gas flow was 800 L/h, and the cone gas flow was 50 L/h. Nitrogen with a purity greater than 99.5% was used for both the desolvation and the cone gas. The data were collected using the high-definition MSE (HDMSE) mode at a scan time resolution of 0.1 s over the range of m/z 50 to 1500. Consequently, in the course of the run, two separate scans with distinct collision energies (CE) were alternately acquired: a low-energy (LE) scan with a constant CE of 4 eV, and a high-energy (HE) scan in which the CE was ramped from 10 to 40 eV. Both scans were performed in the same manner. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) gas used was argon with a purity of 99.9999 per cent [34].

5.6. Experimental Animal

In this particular study, Sprague Dawley rats that had reached the age of five weeks and weighed between 150 and 200 g on average served as the subjects. Acclimatisation of the rats took place over the course of one week at a temperature range of 23–25 °C and a humidity level of 55–60%. The light/dark cycle was 12 h. The procedures that required the use of animals were carried out with the approval of the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Management and Science University (AE-MSU-073, Date of approval: 15th Feb 2017.

5.7. Acute Toxicity Study

The acute toxicity experiment was performed according to the protocol described in OECD 407 guidelines. Before the acute toxicity experiment, six male Sprague Dawley rats were split into two groups (n = 3). The first group (the controls) received water conveyance. The individuals in Group 2 were given an oral dose of BMY equal to 2000 mg/kg of body weight. After the administration of the substances under study, the rats were monitored at 1, 2, 4, and 6-h intervals for any changes in their general behaviour (including their skin, respiratory activity, tremors, salivation, lethargy, or sleep). Visual observation was carried out to monitor the somatomotor, nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Physical changes, including those to the eyes, fur, skin, and mucous membranes, as well as changes to the behavioural pattern, were also observed. The rats were first observed after 24 h, and then they were observed once a day for the next 14 days. On days 1, 7, and 14, body weight was measured. On day 15, all rats fasted overnight before being anaesthetised and sacrificed. Studies were conducted to determine the LD50 or median lethal dose. Blood and organs were taken for collection.

5.8. Subacute Toxicity Study

A subacute toxicity experiment was performed according to the protocol described in OECD 407 guidelines. In this study, forty-two male rats in good health were used. A normal treatment group and a satellite treatment group comprised the two divisions of this study. In the normal treatment group, rats were put into five groups at random, with six rats in each group (n = 6). The groups were designated as subacute control (SC), BMY 50 (50 mg/kg), BMY 250 (250 mg/kg), BMY 500 (500 mg/kg), and BMY 1000 (1000 mg/kg), and were fed BMY orally for 28 days. While the rats were in the satellite treatment group, they were put into two treatment groups at random, with six rats in each group (n = 6). The two groups were called SSC (Satellite Control) and SST (1000 mg/kg), respectively. Scheme 1 below illustrates the experimental group of animals. The rats were given supplements by mouth for 28 days (for both normal treatment and satellite treatment groups), and then they had 14 days to rest and be watched without treatment (satellite treatment group only). For the evaluation of toxicokinetics, the satellite group was utilised to determine the level of drug exposure in animals that results in an adverse event [35,36]. The animals were monitored daily for their overall health as well as for any clinical signs of toxicity throughout the duration of the treatments. Variations in body weight were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment, respectively. After the experiment, all of the rats were fasted for a full 24 h before being put under anaesthesia so that the cardiac puncture could be performed to collect blood [37]. Blood was collected in both EDTA and plain tubes.

Scheme 1.

Scheme 1

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Experimental group of animals in the subacute toxicity study.

5.9. Haematological and Serum Biochemical Analysis

Haematological and biochemical parameters were measured using an automated analyser, Cell Dyn 3700, Abbott Diagnostics, NJ, USA and Cobas C311, Roche Diagnostic, Basel, Switzerland, respectively. For the haematological studies, blood from an EDTA tube was used to measure the haematology parameter, including red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (Pt), and white blood cell count (WBC). For the plain tube, the serum was separated for further analysis of plasma aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and ions (sodium, potassium, and chloride) [37].

5.10. Histopathology Analysis

All of the rats were sacrificed by inhaling carbon dioxide immediately following the cardiac puncture. A surgical procedure was performed to remove samples of organs and tissues of interest, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. These samples were then weighed and examined macroscopically. After determining the relative organ weight and fixing organ samples in formalin, dehydrating them, and embedding them in paraffin, the results were measured. Subsequently, for histological examination, 5 µm thick sections of each sample were stained with hematoxylin/eosin [38,39]. Based on the pathological observations of these tissues, both a macroscopic and a microscopic basis were performed.

5.11. Statistical Analysis

The results for body weight, haematological and serum biochemical parameters, as well as relative organ weight, were all expressed as the mean ± SEM. The data were analysed with a one-way ANOVA, and the Tukey HSD Independent T-test was used to compare the results of the two different groups. Software developed by IBM Corp. in New York, NY, USA called IBM SPSS Statistic version 22.0, was used to carry out the statistical analyses.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, R.N. and R.N.M.R.; methodology, M.D.Y. and R.N.M.R.; software, R.N.M.R.; validation, H.B., H.E. and Z.A.Z.; formal analysis, R.N.; investigation, R.N.M.R.; resources, K.P.; data curation, Z.A.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, R.N. and R.N.M.R.; writing—review and editing, R.N. and R.N.M.R.; visualization, F.O. and A.S.J.; supervision, H.B.; project administration, S.H.J., S.S.B., A.Z.A. and K.K.A.K.; funding acquisition, Z.A.Z. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of MSU and UPM. The animal study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of MSU (Animal Ethics No: AE-MSU-073, Date of Approval: 15th Februray 2017).

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Key Contribution

This is the first toxicological study of tropical fruit integrated with yoghurt that was found free from toxicity with high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme with the code project of FRGS/1/2020/SKK0/UPM/02/4 and reference number under Universiti Putra Malaysia 04-0L-20-2274FR.

Footnotes

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