Abstract
The Golden trumpet Handroanthus chrysotrichus is a tree that presents beneficial health properties against various diseases. Thus, this study aims to verify the toxicity of H. chrysotrichus bark extract, observing the effects of exposure to this extract in mice. For this, mice were separated in groups: saline (sterile solution .9%); H. chrysotrichus crude extract (HCCE) 10; HCCE 50, and HCCE 100 mg. kg-1 (p.o.). We analyzed HCCE effects on acute (single exposure) and subchronic protocol (14 days exposure). After both exposures, acute, and subchronic, we collected samples from blood, brain, liver, and kidney tissues for biochemical evaluation. In addition, after subchronic exposure, we performed behavioral tests. Acute exposure caused an increase of lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Moreover, we observed a significant carbonyl increase in liver and brain tissues from HCCE 50 mg. kg-1. Kidneys presented carbonyl increase in mice treated with the highest concentration. Besides, creatinine increased in the group of the acute exposure at HCCE 100 mg. kg-1. Total leukocyte count decreased in all concentrations tested. Sub-chronic exposure at HCCE 100 mg. kg-1 caused a decrease in the number of crossing and an increase in its self-grooming frequency in the open field test. In this exposure, the brain and liver had a significant increase in carbonyl levels in all concentrations. We concluded that H. chrysotrichus cause behavioral and biochemical alterations in mice. HCCE primary targets seem to be the liver, kidneys, and white cells.