Abstract

SOUSA, Pergentino J. C. et al. Toxicological evaluation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum L.. Rev. bras. farmacogn. [online]. 2008, vol.18, n.2, pp. 217-221. ISSN 0102-695X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2008000200013.

The aim of this work was the acute and subacute toxicological evaluation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum with the determination of the LD₅₀ in mice and the analysis of their hematological and biochemical parameters in rats. The plant is used in the Amazon folk medicine for several diseases and the phenylpropanoid dilapiolle is the main constituent of its essential oil, possessing insecticidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, larvicidal and molluscicidal properties. The LD₅₀ was 2.400 ± 191.7 mg/kg. The essential oil did not change the hematological and biochemical parameters in a significant manner when compared with the control in the subacute treatment, excepting the reduction of creatinine. The LD₅₀ and the hematological and biochemical results have suggested that the essential oil presents low toxicity.

Keywords : Piper aduncum; Piperaceae; essential oil; acute toxicity; subacute toxicity.