Applicability of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract as an Alternative
Natural Dye in Histopathological Canine Mast Cell Tumor Diagnosis
Meennaree Polkaew1, Pongsiwa Sotthibandhu2,
Hassadin Boonsriroj3, Suvarin Pavasutthipaisit3,
Vissanu Meeyoo4 and Araya Suebkhampet2*
1Master
of Science Program in Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok 10530,
Thailand; 2Pre-Clinical Veterinary Science Department,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology,
Bangkok 10530, Thailand; 3Department of Veterinary
Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of
Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand; 4Centre for Advanced
Materials and Environmental Research, Mahanakorn University of
Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
*Corresponding author:
araya@mut.ac.th
Abstract
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are
the most common skin tumors in dogs. Clinical data and cytological examination
typically suffice for the initial diagnosis. However, prognosis and appropriate
treatments necessitate histopathological examination. Amid global concerns
regarding hazardous chemicals, the utilization of natural dyes has garnered
increased attention. In this context, we focused on using butterfly pea flower
(BPF) extract, rich in anthocyanins, as a dye for canine histopathological MCT
staining. The dried petal powder was dissolved in distilled water (DW), filtered
to obtain a crude extract, and then subjected to a freeze-drying process to
preserve its quality. The BPF-dye was prepared by adding DW and 2.5% NaCl into
the dried extract. The paraffin serial sections of 32 diagnosed MCTs were
stained with the dye for 2 hours. Additionally, the sections were stained with
Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Toluidine blue (TB) routine dyes for MCT diagnosis.
Sections of non-MCT round cell tumors were also stained with BPF-dye. The
results revealed pink-reddish specific staining in the neoplastic mast cell
granules, with different staining levels corresponding to the degree of
cytoplasmic granulation, similar to TB staining. However, TB staining exhibited
blue or metachromasia, indicating differences in staining color. Additionally,
the BPF-dye could differentiate MCT from non-MCT round-cell tumors, providing an
alternative method of differentiation. The dye maintained its staining ability
for 60 days when stored at 4oC. Accordingly, it holds potential as an
alternative dye for MCT diagnosis, being locally available and eco-friendly.
Further study should focus on improving the stability and longevity of the dye
by preserving its anthocyanin content with natural co-pigments for practical
application.
To Cite This Article:
Polkaew M, Sotthibandhu P, Boonsriroj H,
Pavasutthipaisit S, Meeyoo V and Suebkhampet A, 2024.
Applicability of butterfly pea flower extract as an alternative natural
dye in histopathological canine mast cell tumor diagnosis. Pak Vet J,
44(2): 266-273. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2024.163