ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the in silico, in vitro, and ex-vivo toxicity of vitexin, the flavonoid 5,7,4'- trihydroxyflavone-8-C-ß-glucopyranoside from Waltheria viscosissima. The chemical structure and predicted bioactive properties were also in silico analyzed. The in vitro and ex-vivo assays were performed according to the Ethics Code of the World Medical Association and were approved by the Ethics Committee of University Center of Patos (protocol number: 3.621.284). In silico analysis suggested that the molecule presents good oral bioavailability and good absorption; penetrating biological membranes. The toxicity tests revealed the potential effectiveness of the molecule in cellular protection against free radicals, in addition to possible antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic and apoptosis agonist activity. Hemolytic and genotoxic assessment detected low hemolysis rates in human red blood cells and no cellular toxicity against oral mucosa cells. The data suggest that vitexin is a safe molecule for possible therapeutic application and its toxicity profile indicates viability for future studies.