Abstract

PEREZ MACHIN, Maykel et al. Acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of Boldoa purpurascens Cav. in the up and down model in rats. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1028-4796.

Foundations: Boldoa purpurascens Cav. (nitro blanco) has been traditionally used as a diuretic in Cuba; however, the established preclinical toxicological studies have not been conducted yet. Objectives: to determine acute toxicity in a freeze-dried aqueous extract form dry leaves of B. Purpurascens. Methods: a preclinical study was undertaken by the up and down procedure. The experimental group was composed of 5 Sprague Dawley female rats. A daily limited dose of 2 000 mg/kg was administered. Systematic observations were made during the experiment and on the 14^th postadministration day, the euthanasia of the animals was performed. Results: the body weight behaved according to the growth curve of the species without evidence of toxic signs or death of any animal. The macroscopic anatomopathological study of the organs showed no alterations. Conclusions: the toxic dose of the studied extract is higher than 2 000 mg/kg and classifies as non-toxic.

Keywords : Acute oral toxicity; UDP; alternative methods; medicinal plants; Boldoa purpurascens.