Haematological and immunological effects of repeated dose exposure of rats to integerrimine N-oxide from Senecio brasiliensis

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Senecio brasiliensis using emergent technologies

Several plant species synthesize biologically active secondary metabolites. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a large group of biotoxins produced by thousands of plant species to protect against the attack of insects and herbivores, but they are highly toxic for humans and animals. In this study, extracts from the aerial part of Senecio brasiliensis were obtained using different technologies: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies for the extraction of chemical compounds found in this plant, focusing on two pyrrolizidine alkaloids: integerrimine and senecionine. Influential parameters on yield and chemical composition were also evaluated: for UAE and MHG, temperature and pressure; for PLE, temperature, and percentage of ethanol. All the extraction techniques were efficient for the extraction of integerrimine and senecionine. The UAE and PLE stood out for the higher yields and number of compounds. The PLE presented a maximum yield of 18.63% for the matrix leaf and the UAE a maximum yield of 11.82% for the same matrix. These two techniques also stood out in terms of the number of compounds, once 36 different compounds were found via PLE and 17 via UAE.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02845-1.

Acute and repeated-doses (28 days) toxicity study of Hypericum polyanthemum Klotzsch ex Reichardt (Guttiferare) in mice

Hypericum polyanthemum, a South Brazilian species showed antidepressant-like and antinociceptive effects in rodents. Since limited information is available on the toxicity and safety profile of the Hypericum genus, we therefore investigated whether H. polyanthemum cyclo-hexane extract (POL) treatment could be associated with toxicity in preclinical setting using mice as an experimental model. These toxicity studies were based on the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-guidelines 423 and 407). Animals received POL single dose (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) or daily for 28-days (90, 450 and 900 mg/kg, p.o.). Acute toxicity study did not detect any clinical signs, changes in behavior or mortality. In repeated dose toxicity study, POL affected the body weight gain and induced biochemical, hematological and liver histological changes at 450 and 900 mg/kg. Mice treated with POL 90 mg/kg did not show any toxicity signs. In conclusion H. polyanthemum can be classified as safe (category 5) according to OECD acute toxicity parameters. However, the alterations observed after repeated treatment with high doses suggest that the liver could be the target organ on potential H. polyanthemum toxicity and point to the need of further toxicity studies.

Comparative potential therapeutic effect of sesame oil and peanut oil against acute monocrotaline (Crotalaria) poisoning in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Many Crotalaria plant species contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (such as monocrotaline) that can cause acute and chronic poisoning in cattle and other animals.

HYPOTHESIS

Peanut oil, atropine sulfate, and antidiarrheal agents are used to treat acute monocrotaline poisoning. The effect of sesame on acute monocrotaline poisoning has never been investigated.

ANIMALS

Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for toxicity studies.

METHODS

Experiment 1: Group I, control. Groups II-IV were given monocrotaline (205.2 mg/kg) and euthanized 6, 12, and 24 hours later. Experiment 2: Group I, control. Group II monocrotaline alone (205.2 mg/kg). Groups III-VI were given monocrotaline (205.2 mg/kg) and 1 hour later, Groups III and IV were given sesame oil (1 and 2 mL/kg) and Groups V and VI were given peanut oil (1 and 2 mL/kg).

RESULTS

Monocrotaline significantly decreased (P < .05) serum amylase activity, but, over time, increased (P < .05) pancreatic and lung injury. AST and ALT activity and liver injury peaked at 24 hours. Sesame oil and peanut oil (P < .05) inhibited the changes in all tested parameters in acute monocrotaline poisoning. Although peanut oil inhibited acute monocrotaline poisoning, it induced steatosis, but sesame oil did not.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

We hypothesize that early pancreatic and lung injury and late liver injury contribute to acute monocrotaline poisoning and that sesame oil is more efficacious than peanut oil against acute monocrotaline poisoning in rats. However, additional studies are needed to confirm that these oils have the same effects in cattle and other animals.