Abstract

DOS SANTOS E SILVA, Ana Paula; DE SOUSA, Geane Felix; MENDES DE FREITAS, Rivelilson  and  CUNHA NUNES, Lívio César. Evaluation of acute toxicity of the powder of mesocarp aqueous extract Orbignya phalerata Mart (babassu). Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.4, pp.393-401. ISSN 1028-4796.

Objectives: the effects of acute oral administration of aqueous extract powder obtained from the Orbignya phalerata Mart mesocarp were analyzed in terms of biochemical and hematological parameters in male Swiss mice. Methods: mice (n= 5-7/group) were orally treated with doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg body weight, they were observed for 24 h and then blood samples were collected for evaluation of biochemical and hematological parameters. Results: treatment with aqueous extract power caused the death of some animals and low toxicity. The administration did not alter either the biochemical and hematological parameters or the weight of organs. As to the hematological parameters, there were small changes in neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts, but these were not different from the reference values. Conclusions: the acute administration of aqueous extract powder did not induce any risky effect on most biochemical and hematological parameters studied in male Swiss mice. However, further studies with higher doses are needed to further support the safe use of babassu mesocarp in food.

Keywords : babassu; mesocarp; Orbignya phalerata Mart; hematology; biochemistry.

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