Toxicological Assessments of Latex From The Stem of Ficus citrifolia: Drosophila melanogaster Model

Latex, a white, yellow, orange or scarlet emulsion secreted by laticiferous plants shows a variety of biological activities such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, etc. This work was aimed at testing the toxicity of Ficus citrifolia Latex (FCL) on Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies). A pilot study was conducted by exposing 7 groups of 20 flies, each, to FCL (5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, a100 mg) per 5 g diet, as well as Diet only and ethylacetate only, for 7 days. The survival assay was conducted by exposing 50 flies, each, to tolerable concentrations of FCL (same dosages as above) for 28 days. The 7 days exposure of these tolerable concentrations was conducted for Biochemical analysis and Negative Geotaxis. From the pilot, LC50 was determined to be 12.6 g/5 g diet. The 28 days survival assay showed highest survival proportion in the control (diet only) compared to the treated flies. There was significant difference (p0.05). There was reduction in the total thiol content and Glutathione-S-transferase activity of Drosophila melanogaster after 7 days exposure; there was a significant difference (p0.05) compared with the controlled flies. In conclusion, Ficus citrifolia Latex may be toxic having LC50 as low as 12.6 mg/5 g diet and may have some toxins that affect the endogenous antioxidants of flies, therefore it may not be safe for drug formulation. If it is to be used for any formulation it has to be in micro or nano concentrations. However, the results imply that FCL can be used as a pesticide.