Toxicological safety evaluation in acute and 28-day studies of aqueous extract from Serjania marginata Casar. (Sapindaceae) leaves in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Serjania marginata Casar. (Sapindaceae) is a species traditionally known to be used for the treatment of gastric pain and inflammatory symptoms. AIM OF THIS STUDY: Due to the therapeutic importance of this species, this study investigated the toxicological effects of S. marginata leaves (AESM), after a single and a repeated exposure in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the acute toxicity test, 2000 mg/kg of AESM was administered to male and female rats by gavage, whereas for subacute toxicity test, 30, 150, or 750 mg/kg of AESM were used. RESULTS: No evidence of toxicity was observed in the animals acutely exposed to the extract, indicating that the LD50 is higher than 2000 mg/kg. After the repeated administration of AESM the hematological and biochemical parameters were unaltered, except the erythrocytes number and albumin levels in the exposed animals. Moreover, daily administration of this extract caused alteration on kidney histology. AESM also induced an increase of abnormal sperm, however the other reproductive parameters analyzed, in both sexes, were not altered by the treatment. CONCLUSION: Although AESM was not toxic after a single exposure, its use after prolonged periods affected some analyzed parameters, indicating that precautions should be taken when it is given over longer periods.

Toxicological evaluation and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic extract from Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae) fruit.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelia balansae is a relatively unexplored medicinal species that is used for nutritional purposes and in folk medicine to treat cough or wounds. AIM OF THIS STUDY: This study assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract obtained from Bromelia balansae fruit (EEBB) as well as the toxicological potential of this extract after single and repeated exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats (Wistar) were gavaged with 2000 mg/kg of extract from the fruit of B. balansae for the acute toxicity test and with 25, 100, or 400 mg/kg of EEBB for the subacute toxicity test. The anti-inflammatory effect of EEBB was evaluated in vivo (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg) by carrageenan (Cg) induced-oedema and pleurisy in Swiss mice. RESULTS: A single oral dose of EEBB did not result in toxicity, demonstrating that the LD50 of this extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the subacute toxicity test, the tested doses produced no significant changes in the haematological, biochemical or histopathological parameters of treated animals. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the sperm parameters. A dose of 300 mg/kg of EEBB significantly reduced oedema formation, Cg-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and cold sensitivity, as well as leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model. CONCLUSION: These results show that EEBB has an anti-inflammatory potential without causing acute or subacute toxicity. These data may contribute to the advancement of biopharmaceutical applications for this species.