Acute and sub acute studies of catechol derivatives from Semecarpus anacardium

[Display omitted] •Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of catechol derivatives.•In acute study, no behavioral adverse effects and mortality up to 800 mg/kg.•LD50 values of catechol derivatives I–III and IV (1600 and 1250 mg/kg b.wt).•In subacute study, (300 mg/kg b.wt daily, 30 days) shows no mortality, catechol derivative 1 and IV boost up immune system and HDL.•Results prove that catechol derivatives are potentially toxic but therapeutically effective. The present study was aimed at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity of catechol derivatives (I–IV, isolated from Semecarpus anacardium nuts) in Wistar Albino rats. In acute study (14 days), catechol derivatives I–IV 800 mg/kg caused no behavioral adverse effects and mortality. Fifty percent (LD50) of mortality was observed in catechol derivatives I–III (1600 mg/kg b.wt) and catechol derivative IV (1250 mg/kg b.wt). In subacute study, daily oral administration of catechol derivatives I–IV (300 mg/kg b.wt) for 30 days did not result in death or significant changes in the body weight and organ weight, In hematological and some biochemical analysis showed few beneficial effects particularly in catechol derivatives I and IV treated rats that is transient rise in WBC count and HDL cholesterol and decrease in LDL, plasma and tissue lipid profile. These results indicate the impact of catechol derivatives in boosting the immune system and reducing cardiovascular risk factors and thereby they possess cardio protective and immunopotentiating effect. Further, histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed normal architecture that suggests no morphological disturbances. Based on the results obtained, it may be concluded that the catechol derivatives are potentially toxic but therapeutically effective.