Evaluation of acute dermal toxicity of the decoction of Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae) in rats

BUCCIARELLI, A.; BRAS, C.; GANDINI, N.A.; MINETTI, A.; SKLIAR, M.

Rosario

Simposio; XIV Simposio Latinoamericano de Farmacobotánica; 2013

Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas- UNR

Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae), popularly known as vara dorada, is a widespread species used in the traditional medicine of South America as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, vulnerary and digestive. It is also known for its topical use as wound healer, cicatrizing, antiseptic and for skin disorders. Considering that S. chilensis preparations could be administered by topical route, the acute dermal toxicity of the decoction from inflorescences of the plant was studied in order to validate the safe usage of the plant. For this, an experimental group of Wistar rats received a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight of the decoction, which was applied on the shaved skin of male (n=8) and female (n=8) rats and covered with a patch. The animals of control group were only covered with the patch. After 24 h of exposure, the patch was removed and any sign of irritation was recorded in both groups of animals. Behavioral and functional parameters in a functional observational battery (FOB) and motor activity in an open field (OF) were assessed after the exposure to the extract. Then, after 14 days of observation, animals were retested. Finally, histopathological studies were conducted on several organs and skin tissue.The results revealed that no significant alterations in FOB parameters and in the OF were detected between treated and control groups at day 1 and 14. These results agreed with those obtained after subchronic oral exposure to this extract in mice.No signs of erythema and edema were observed in the skin site of exposure. The histopathological analysis of the studied organs did not detect abnormalities, which suggests that dermal exposure to the extract produced no systemic toxicity.Considering that the limit dose recommended for this type of assay was used, it may be concluded that the acute dermal exposure to the decoction of S. chilensis would be safe. However, future research like potential chronic toxicity associated with this extract will need to be evaluated through long-term bioassays in order to ensure its safety.