Toxicity assessment and antinociceptive activity of an ethanolic extract from Croton blanchetianus (Euphorbiaceae) leaves

Abstract

In this study, the toxicity and antinociceptive effects of the ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus leaves were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, cinnamic derivatives, flavonoids, saponins, condensed tannins, terpenes, and steroids. Acute toxicity was evaluated by administration of a single dose of 2000 or 5000 mg/kg b.w. (per os or i.p.). The extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per os) was evaluated for genotoxicity through micronucleus and comet assays, and antinociceptive effects using different tests. No death was observed but increased serum levels of hepatic and renal markers, hematological changes, and histological alterations in the lung and kidney were observed exclusively with intraperitoneal administration. Oral administration did not result in genotoxicity in bone marrow or peripheral blood cells. The extract reduced the number of abdominal writhings by 47.16–88.81%, increased the latency time (up to 2.13 times) in the tail–immersion test, and decreased the paw licking time by as much as 74.07% and 97.76% in the first and second phases of the formalin test, respectively. This work contributes to the determination of safety and pharmacological potential for C. blanchetianus leaves.