Cytotoxic, acute oral toxicity, genotoxic and mutagenic assessment of the essential oil from fresh leaves of Croton argyrophyllus (Kunth.).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Croton argyrophyllus Kunth., commonly known as "marmeleiro" or "cassetinga," is widely distributed in the Brazilian Northeast region. Its leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine as tranquilizers to treat flu and headaches. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and toxicological safety of essential oil from C. argyrophyllus leaves using in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Cytotoxicity was tested in the HeLa, HT-29, and MCF-7 cell lines derived from human cells (Homo sapiens) and Vero cell lines derived from monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) using the MTT method. Acute toxicity, genotoxicity. Mutagenicity tests were performed in Swiss mice (Mus musculus), which were administered essential oil orally in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg by gavage. RESULTS: The main components of the essential oil were p-mentha-2-en-1-ol, α-terpineol, ß-caryophyllene, and ß-elemene. The essential oil exhibited more than 90% cytotoxicity in all cell lines tested. No deaths or behavioral, hematological, or biochemical changes were observed in mice, revealing no acute toxicity. In genotoxic and mutagenic analyses, there was no increase in micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes or in the damage and index in the comet assay. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil was cytotoxic towards the tested cell lines but did not exert toxic effects or promote DNA damage when administered orally at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice.

Biological evaluation of 1,3-benzodioxole acids points to 3,4-(methylenedioxy) cinnamic acid as a potential larvicide against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes aegypti serves as the primary vector for viruses like dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, posing a significant public health challenge in Brazil. Given the absence of approved vaccines for these diseases, effective mosquito control becomes paramount in preventing outbreaks. However, currently available chemical insecticides face issues related to toxicity and the emergence of resistance, necessitating the exploration of new active compounds. Drawing inspiration from natural products, we identified the 1,3-benzodioxole group as a key pharmacophore associated with insecticidal activity. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize and assess the larvicidal activity of 1,3-benzodioxole acids against Ae. aegypti, as well as their toxicity in mammals. Among the compounds evaluated, 3,4-(methylenedioxy) cinnamic acid (compound 4) demonstrated larvicidal activity. It exhibited LC50 and LC90 values of 28.9 ± 5.6 and 162.7 ± 26.2 µM, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. For reference, the positive control, temephos, displayed both LC50 and LC90 values below 10.94 µM. These findings underline the significance of the 3,4-methylenedioxy substituent on the aromatic ring and the presence of a double bond in the aliphatic chain for biological activity. Furthermore, compound 4 exhibited no cytotoxicity towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, even at concentrations up to 5200 µM. Lastly, in mice treated with 2000 mg kg-1, compound 4 showed mild behavioral effects and displayed no structural signs of toxicity in vital organs such as the kidney, liver, spleen, and lungs.