Abstract

LOZA ALMANZA, Rocio et al. Toxicity evaluation of ethanolic extracts of Baccharis latifolia and Baccharis papillosa using laboratory animals. BIOFARBO [online]. 2011, vol.19, n.1, pp. 22-27. ISSN 1813-5363.

In order to promote the use of medicinal plants as well as meet the regulatory requirements of the Ministry of health for natural products the toxicity produced by ethanol extracts of Baccharis latifolia species (EE-B1) and Baccharis papillosa (EE -Bp) was evaluated using various tests such as: general behavior, determination of rectal temperature, body weight and organ weights in Swiss albino mice. The extracts at doses of 3000 and 5000 mg / kg for the EE-Bp and 5000 mg / kg for the EE-BI, were administered orally by cannulation to male and female mice to determine acute toxicity, effects on the general behavior of a single dose subacute toxicity, and evaluation of the influence of extracts on body temperature. The results revealed that both extracts did not show acute toxicity (mortality up to 5000 mg / kg) single dose. The EE-EE-B1 Bp at the doses tested produced piloerection up to 24 hrs, with prehensile decreased activity, analgesia to varying degrees. EE-BP at the doses tested showed a significant increase in rectal temperature in male mice up to 24 hours. In general, both extracts (EE-EE-Bp and Bl), did not significantly modify body weight up to 14 days of observation. With reference to organ weights for the two extracts the intestine weight increased significantly compared to the control probably due to a direct action of the extract on the this organ. Similar results were shown in kidney, stomach and liver.

Keywords : Baccharis latífolia; Baccharis papillosa; acute toxicity; subacute toxicity; Test Hippocratic.