Physicochemical properties and toxicity test of <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> (Sw.) DC. and <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> Del gum exudates from Rajasthan

Abstract

<em>Prosopis</em> <em>juliflora</em> (Sw.) DC. (Fabaceae) commonly known as ‘Mesquite’ or ‘Honey Mesquite’ and <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> Del (Zygophyllaceae) or Desert Date are invasive weeds and have been known for debates on their use as well as harm. The present study reports the phytochemical screening, physico-chemical characterization, thermal stability and toxicity test of gum exudates of <em>P</em>. <em>juliflora</em> and <em>B</em>.<em> aegyptiaca</em>, collected from Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Standard qualitative chemical tests have revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, amino acid / protein and carbohydrate in both the gum exudates. Physicochemically, they were characterized by determining their moisture content (%), colour parameters (L, a, b), ash content (%), elemental (CHNS) analysis, specific rotation [ɑ] in H₂O, deg., heavy metals (mg/g), viscosity (cP) and FTIR. Gums were also thermally characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Thermal studies have shown that the gums are relatively stable up to 220°C, beyond which degradation starts. Short-term, acute oral toxicity test of both the gum exudates was carried out on albino rats of Wistar strain and found that acute toxicity of both the gum exudates by oral route was >2000 mg/kg body weight and no compound related sign, symptoms and mortality were produced in the animals at this permissible limit dose.