In vivo toxicity assessment of 4′-O-methylpyridoxine from Ginkgo biloba seeds: Growth, hematology, metabolism, and oxidative parameters

4′-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN), a recognized antivitamin B6 compound, is a potentially poisonous substance found in Ginkgo biloba seeds and leaves. In this work, the body weights, histopathological changes, plasma vitamin B6 (VB6), biochemical parameters, oxidative stress responses, and amino acids of rats were investigated after intragastric administration of MPN for 15 days. Results showed that intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg BW MPN caused pathological changes in the brain and heart tissues of rats. Administration of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg BW MPN can significantly increase VB6 analogs in the plasma of rats, such as pyridoxal-5′-phosphate, pyridoxal. Results of biochemical parameters indicated that MPN can damage brains and hearts by changing the enzyme activity of these organs. These results suggest that consumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds for the long term, even in a small quantity, may lead to poisoning. [Display omitted] •Overconsumption of Ginkgo biloba seeds leads to poisoning.•4′-O-methylpyridoxine, in Ginkgo biloba L., is responsible for the poisoning.•Administration of 4′-O-methylpyridoxine caused pathological changes in rats.•4′-O-methylpyridoxine can significantly increase Vitamin B6 analogs in rats.