Vol. 10, Issue 7, Part B (2025)

Author(s): Payal G Solanki, Vaishnavi A Patel, Samir H Raval, Dimpal Chaudhary, Kirti D Fanase, Jayesh D Odedara, Dhrupal K Patel, Dipak Amin, Vaishnavi S Patel, Ratan Deep Singh, Rohit S Parmar, Jignesh M Patel, Jasmi G Patel and Bakor J Patel

Abstract: Emamectin Benzoate (EB) is an insecticide that can be used to control lepidopteran insects on plants. However, EB can be retained in plant tissues and contaminate food, which can lead to toxicity in animals and humans. The present study was planned to find out the LD₅₀ and subacute toxicity of EB in Wistar rats. As per OECD test guideline 425, oral gavage LD₅₀ of EB was 50 mg/kg body weight in male Wistar rats. Based on the results of the acute study, a subacute 28-day study was planned. Total 40 healthy male and female Wistar rats were divided into four different groups. Each group contains five male and five female rats. Group I served as a control and received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose, while Group II, III and IV rats were dosed with EB at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively, for 28 consecutive days. All 40 rats survived until terminal sacrifice. A 28-day oral dose of EB at 5 mg/kg BW caused muscle twitching and tail flicking in males, and hyperactivity in females. In males, it significantly reduced body weight gain, but no such effect was seen in females. All 40 rats survived until terminal sacrifice. A 28-day oral dose of EB at 5 mg/kg BW caused muscle twitching and tail flicking in males, and hyperactivity in females. In males, it significantly reduced body weight gain, but no such effect was seen in females. EB at 5 mg/kg BW lowered total protein and albumin in males, and increased urea in females. No gross or microscopic organ changes were seen up to 5 mg/kg BW. The NOAEL was 2.5 mg/kg BW in Wistar rats.