The toxicology and safety of apple polyphenol extract

Apple polyphenol extract has strong antioxidant activity and various physiological functions, and is used in Japan as a food additive and nutritional supplements. Here, we tested the consumption safety of Applephenon(R), which is a polyphenol extract produced from unripe apples. The Ames test without S9 mixture revearled that Applephenon(R), had slight mutagenicity at a high concentration of 2500 mug/plate; however, both chromosomal aberration test and the micronucleus test found no significant mutagenicity. Furthermore, an acute oral-toxicity test, and a 90-day subchronic-toxicity test showed no significant hematological, clinical, chemical, histopathological, or urinary effects at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. These results confirme that Applephenon(R) is safe and no toxic at average dietary level. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.