General and genetic toxicology studies of Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. seeds in vitro and in vivo assays. (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fukuda de Castilho, Pamella; Gomes da Silva Dantas, Fabiana; Pires de Araújo, Renata; Almeida Castro, Luis Henrique; Souza de Araújo, Flávio Henrique; Negri, Melyssa; Carvalho dos Santos, Ariany; Carvalho Souza, Roosevelt Isaias; Lima Cardoso, Claudia Andrea; Oesterreich, Silvia Aparecida; Pires de Oliveira, Kelly Mari
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 280(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: Aleurites moluccana, indian walnut -- Toxicity -- Seed -- Weight loss -- Mutagenicity; AEAMS aqueous extract of Aleurites moluccana seeds -- LD50 median lethal dose -- DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid -- MN-PCES Micronucleated Polychromatic Erythrocytes -- MTS (3 [4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5-[3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium) -- NCE Normochromatic Erythrocyte -- PCE Polychromatic Erythrocyte; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114478
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacology relevance: Aleurites moluccana is popularly used for the diseases like ulcers, fever, headache, asthma, conjunctivitis, gonorrhea, inflammation, hepatitis, and rheumatism. The seed, also known as "noz da Índia", has been popularly consumed for weight loss purposes but reports of toxicity have been associated with its ingestion. In the literature, there are not enough studies to elucidate its toxicology, so evaluating the general and genetic toxicological of A. moluccana seeds can provide data to ensure their intake. Aim of the study : The objective of the present study was to elucidate the oral toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of A. moluccana seeds in vitro and in vivo assays. Materials and methods: The chemical composition of the aqueous extract of A. moluccana seeds (AEAMS) was analyzed in relation to phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and fatty acid. For the in vitro assays, the cytotoxic potential was assessed by the MTS assay whereas the mutagenic potential was assessed by the Ames test. For in vivo assays, was conducted an acute oral toxicity study, with "Up-and-Down Procedure" and repeated dose toxicity with "Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity". To assess genetic damage, mutagenic potential was assessed by the micronucleus test whereas the polychromatic erythrocyte/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio was obtained with bone marrow cells to determine the cytotoxic potential and genotoxic potential was assessed by the comet assay using peripheral blood cells. Results: AEAMS did not show cytotoxic and mutagenic potential in vitro . No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals after the acute oral toxicity test, suggesting that the LD50 of aqueous extract of A . moluccana seeds > 2000 mg/kg in a single dose by intragastric route. However, in toxicity at repeated doses for 28 days, the doses initially established (250; 500 and 750 mg/kg/day by intragastric route) caused mortality in the animals and the reestablished doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day by intragastric route) showed no changes in parameters or clinical signs attributed to toxicity. Furthermore, AEAMS also did not show mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic potential in vivo . Conclusions: AEAMS did not show cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic potential in vitro and in vivo . And although the AEAMS has an LD50 > 2000 mg/kg, and does not have physiological, biochemical, hematological, histopathological changes or clinical signs related to toxicity when administered in low concentrations and for a short period, in high concentrations and continued use caused toxicity and mortality in Wistar rats. In order to obtain complementary results, is recommended highly that further mid and long-term toxicological studies are investigated, and in no-rodent specie. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Aleurites moluccana 's seed is popularly ingested for weight loss. Extract of A. moluccana 's seed was evaluated for general and genetic toxicology studies. In acute toxicity no lethality was observed and LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in single dose by intragastric route. In short-term high concentrations caused clinical symptoms of toxicity and death. However, low concentrations no showed clinical signs associated with toxicity.