Preclinical safety evaluation of the ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of Gomphrena celosioides Mart. in rodents.

The toxicological potential of the ethanolic extract from Gomphrena celosioides (EEGC), a medicinal plant used as a natural analgesic, was investigated in acute and subacute toxicity models in rodents. For the acute toxicity test, 2000 mg/kg of EEGC was administered orally to male and female Wistar rats, while Swiss mice received 75, 150 or 300 mg/kg of EEGC for the subacute toxicity test. Animals treated with an only dose of 2000 mg/kg EEGC showed no clinical signs of toxicity, indicating that the LD50 is higher than this dose. The repeated treatment with EEGC did not cause adverse clinical signs, or lesions in target tissues. According to the Globally Harmonized System of classification, the EEGC dosages can be in Category 5 which is the least toxic or non-toxic one.

Aqueous extract from Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) leaves exerts long-term hypoglycemic effect, increases insulin sensitivity and plasma insulin levels on diabetic Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common todays public health problems. According to a survey by the World Health Organization, this metabolic disorder has reached global epidemic proportions, with a worldwide prevalence of 8.5% in the adult population. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica (EAMI) leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Sixty male rats were divided into 2 groups: Normoglycemic and Diabetic. Each group was subdivided into negative control, glibenclamide 3 or 10 mg/kg, EAMI 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 100 mg/kg was used to DM induction. The hypoglycemic response was assessed acutely after two and four weeks of treatment. After a 6-hour fasting period, the fasting blood glucose of animals was verified, and 2.5 g/kg glucose solution was orally administered. The insulin tolerance test and plasma insulin levels assessment were performed in the morning after fasting of 12 to 14 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The chemical analysis of EAMI showed high levels of phenolic compounds. There was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose between normoglycemic and diabetic groups, and that EAMI did not have an acute effect on diabetes. After two and four weeks of treatment, the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels, exceeding glibenclamide effects. EAMI was effective in maintaining the long-term hypoglycemic effect, as well as, significantly increased the sensitivity of diabetic animals to insulin and the plasma insulin level.