Análise da toxicidade in vitro e aguda do óleo de Pachira aquaticaaublet

Abstract

The Pachira aquatica(munguba) is a tree belonging to the family Bombacaceae, of perennial, heliophite and hyglyphic characteristics. Native of the southern region of Mexico its occurrence extends from the Amazon forest to much of South America and its fruits and seeds are edible having high culinary value, mainly in the Amazon region; The oil extracted from the seed presents good vegetal quality and digestibility having its physical-chemical characteristics very close to other edible oils. Given the culinary use and the scarcity of studies on the toxicological profile of the species, this study analyzed the toxicity of the oil extracted from the munguba seed by means of the in vitrotest using Artemia salinasp. as bioindicator and the single dose test in rats. There was no evidence of lethality, behavioral changes or macroscopic changes in the organs and/or the animals exposed to a single dose of 2000 mg.kg-1as well as significant lymph node mortality. However, further studies must be carried out to ensure the use and human intake of this plant.