Toxicity assessment of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica in Charles foster rats through an acute and sub-acute oral administration.For assessment of acute oral toxicity test, ratswere orally treated with single dose of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica at the doses of 50, 250, 500, 1000 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, using the OECD guidelines no. 407, the extract was administered at the doses of 50, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days and at the dose of 2000 mg/kg satellite group also used for 6 weeks.In acute toxicity above mentioned doses neither showed mortality nor exterior signs of toxicity. In sub-acute, study no significant changes found in haematological and biochemical level ofthe treated rat after 14 days and 28 days in comparison to control. The histopathology of rat brain, kidney, liver, and heart also showed the no cellular changes after extract treated rat.The alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica was found non-toxic in single drug dose administration up to 5000 mg/kg (acute study) and in sub-acute administration up to 2000 mg/kg.

Toxicity of the feathers of Yellow Grosbeak, Pheucticus chrysopeplus (Passeriformes: Cardinalidae), a chemically defended neotropical bird / Toxicidad de las plumas del Picogrueso amarillo, Pheucticus chrysopeplus (Passeriformes: Cardinalidae), un ave neotropical con defensa química

Abstract Chemical defense is a widespread mechanism on many animals and plants. However, just a few cases are known for avian species. In this study we evaluate the toxicity of Pheucticus chrysopeplus feather extract via lethality test with brine shrimp (Artemia salina) as an in vivo model. Mortality of A. salina was evaluated after 24 hour exposure to artificial seawater, methanol, and the methanolic feather extract. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in mortality between treatments (X2 = 65.25, P < 0.0001, n = 50). With this we describe P. chrysopeplus as the first known toxic avian species of Guatemala and Central America, raising awareness about its conservation and the identification of the toxic substance present in its feathers. We also highlight the possible mimicry mechanism taking part between P. chrysopeplus and two sympatric oriole species (Icterus pectoralis and I. pustulatus).(AU)

Resumen La defensa química es un mecanismo que se encuentra presente en varios animales y plantas. Sin embargo, pocos casos son conocidos para especies de aves. En este estudio evaluamos la toxicidad de extractos de plumas de Pheucticus chrysopeplus con un ensayo de letalidad utilizando artemia (Artemia salina) como modelo in vivo. La mortalidad de A. salina se evaluó luego de ser expuesta por 24 horas a agua marina artificial, metanol y extracto metanólico de plumas de P. chrysopeplus. La prueba de Kruskal-Wallis mostró que existe una diferencia significativa entre los porcentajes de mortalidad de los tratamientos evaluados (X2 = 65.25, P < 0.0001, n = 50). Con esto, describimos a P. chrysopeplus como la primera especie de ave tóxica reportada para Guatemala y Centroamérica, resaltando la importancia de su conservación, así como la identificación de la sustancia tóxica presente en sus plumas. También destacamos el posible mecanismo de mimetismo que podría estar ocurriendo entre P. Chrysopeplus y dos especies simpátricas de orioles (Icterus pectoralis e I. pustulatus).(AU)

Padronização de spot tests para uso em laboratórios com atendimento em emergências toxicológicas / Using stardardization spot tests in laboratories with toxicological emergencies service

A padronização de métodos simples e confiáveis em laboratórios de análises clínicas que atuam em emergências toxicológicas é importante, visto o alto índice de intoxicações apresetnado nas mais diversas regiões do país. Dentre as intoxicações, as de maior destaque são as medicamentosas. Os medicamentos mais envolvidos são os analgésicos, os benzodiazepínicos e os barbitúricos (fenobarbital). Assim foram padronizados alguns spot tests, segundo Brito Filho, para a pesquisa destes medicamentos em sangue e urina. Os resultados mostraram-se satisfatórios, com valor de sensibilidade de 0,1 e 0,3mg/mL, consistindo em provas simples, rápidas, de baixo-custo e de fácil implantação em laboratórios clínicos.