Investigação da toxicidade oral aguda e propriedades farmacológicas de uma espécie do gênero Cassytha

Abstract

Plants have been present in human culture since its inception, being used for several purposes, including for the treatment of diseases. This practice has been handed down from generation to generation. The evolution of knowledge, however, demands broader approaches on plant species with therapeutic potential, in order to ensure safety and validate its traditional use. Cassytha filiformis, a species of the genus Cassytha, is used in folk medicine to treat cancer, trypanosomiasis, kidney disease and gonorrhea. Among its proven activities, the antiplatelet, vascular relaxing, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antiepileptic, diuretic and alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist effects stand out. Among its secondary metabolites, alkaloids have been identified for therapeutic benefit. To date, however, there are no studies that support the safety of its therapeutic application or that explore possible anti-inflammatory properties as the basis for its therapeutic actions. Acute oral toxicity was assessed according to OECD 425. Starting from an administration of 2000 mg / kg (v.o) of extract in rats, the hippocratic signs of toxicity, spontaneous locomotor activity, weight gain, water and food consumption, as well as relative body weight and hematological patterns at the end of the period. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in mice, using the acetic acid induced writhing test and the formalin test (CEUA nº 1050140817). The cutoff dose of the extract did not promote hipocratic signs of toxicity or death. There were also no changes in feed and water consumption or weight gain patterns. The evaluation of the relative weight of organs (liver, kidneys, stomach and heart) and hemogram showed equivalent standards between treated and control animals. Cas01 also did not impair the locomotor activity of the animals. Cas01 was shown to have no influence on the contortions induced by acetic acid, nor did it promote significant alterations on formalin-induced biphasic nociception. These findings demonstrate for the first time that Cas 01 is a xenobiotic of low acute oral toxicity. They also demonstrate that their therapeutic actions do not involve nociceptive or inflammatory mechanisms.