Acute toxicity and genotoxicity of Schinus molle L. aqueous extract/ethanol-soluble fraction in rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchinus molle L. is a medicinal species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly referred to as "aroeira" and its leaves and roots are utilized for treating different pathological conditions. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, there is a lack of in-depth toxicological studies. AimTo evaluate the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of S. molle aqueous extract/ethanol-soluble fraction in rats. Material and methodsFirst, a purified aqueous extract was obtained from the leaves of S. mole through infusion (referred to as EESM) and its compounds were identified using LC-DAD-MS data. Female rats were then subjected to acute oral toxicity tests using doses of 5, 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of ESSM. Studies on genetic material, including the micronucleus test and comet assay, were conducted on male and female Wistar rats using the same doses as in the acute toxicity test. For both assays, ESSM was administered orally. ResultsThe main metabolites annotated from ESSM were dimeric proanthocyanidins, phenylpropanoids acids, flavan-3-ols, simple organic acids (C6–C1), a flavonol di-O-glycosylated (rutin), and O-glycosylated megastigmane. The ESSM did not exhibit any acute toxic effects, such as changes in biochemical, hematologic, or histopathological analysis. Furthermore, no changes were observed in comet assay or micronucleus tests when rats were given doses of 5, 50, 300, or 2000 mg/kg of ESSM. ConclusionThe results showed that the ESSM does not induce acute toxicity or exhibit genotoxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg.