The Medical Assays on Spheroides rubripes Liver Oil

Spheroides rubripes is most commonly found along the sea coasts of China and it may also be found in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. It's liver contains oil from fifty-two to sixty-seven per cent by weight and the oil is very rich in Vitamin A (530—2535 Iu/Gm). Spheroides rubripes liver oil has been merely used for making soap and other industrial purposes, because it contains a commonly known toxin, called tetrodoxin. However, the tetrodoxin is completely soluble in water and is readily soluble in hot water and is hydrolized in alkaline solutions. Thus the oil can be prepared free from tetradoxin. In this study, the oil is proved to be nontoxic by a series of acute and subacute toxicity tests in mice and rats. Pharmacological studies of the oil in dogs, mice, rats, and frogs have been made and it is proved that there is no untoward symptoms and signs which indicate toxic reactions.