Different leaf extracts from Brunfelsia uniflora in mice
2017
Ciro José Sousa de Carvalho | Marília Martins Melo | Ana Flávia Ribeiro Machado Michell | Bruno Benetti Junta Torres | Franklin Riet-Correa | Roberto Maurício Carvalho Guedes | Vany Perpetua Ferraz | Benito Soto-Blanco | Silvana Maria Medeiros de Sousa Silva
ABSTRACT: In Brazil, at least 16 poisonous plant species can affect the central nervous system of livestock. Recently in the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, Brunfelsia uniflora was reported as a cause of nervous signs in donkeys, cattle, and small ruminants. In order to assess the toxicity of B. uniflora extracts, 20 Swiss mice were distributed into four groups (n=5) receiving by gavage alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, or saline (control group). After administration of the extracts in a single dose (5g kg-1), all mice were observed daily for clinical signs. Mice that received the extracts showed moderate to severe clinical signs, including piloerection, vocalization, and seizures. All mice dosed with saponins died between 10 and 20min after administration. Serum biochemical evaluation of animals that received saponins revealed slight increases in total protein levels and decreased magnesium and chlorite levels. In conclusion, saponins of B. uniflora leaves induced acute toxic neurological effects and death in mice.
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