Evaluation of acute oral toxicity to rats, genotoxicity to mice, and toxicity to non-vertebrate animals attributed to Vochysia divergens stem bark extract exposure.

Abstract

Vochysia divergens (Vochysiaceae), present in the flooded fields of Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is traditionally used to treat infections. However, studies on the toxicological safety of using the stem bark of this vegetable are lacking. This study aimed to investigate acute oral toxicity using rats, genotoxicity utilizing mice, and toxicity to non-vertebrate animals, the insect Galleria mellonella and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to V. divergens stem bark ethanolic extract (VDSE). In addition, phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-PDA, and the total triterpene content in VDSE was determined. At 2000 mg/kg, VDSE did not induce acute toxicity. In mice treated with different VDSE doses (500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg), no chromosomal damages or altered ratios of polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes were noted. VDSE also did not induce toxicity to G. mellonela and C. elegans as evidenced by 100% survival. The extract contained a total triterpene content of 780 mg g (39%). Since VDSE exerts a beneficial role in treating infections, it is essential to determine the risks associated with consuming these plant species to establish safety. Consequently, the present results expand knowledge regarding VDSE chemical quality control and safety.