Polysaccharide-rich extract of genipa americana leaves: acute toxicity study

The leaves of Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) are utilized in folk medicine to treat diarrhea, syphilis and gastritis. The objective was to evaluate the acute toxicity of polysaccharides rich extract from leaves of G. americana. They were administered orally during 14 days in rats for toxicity assay based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 423, to identify signs of toxicity, the Malone Hippocratic Screening Scale was applied during the evaluation period. Blood samples were collected for biochemical, hemogram, leukogram and platelet parameters. Polysaccharide rich extract from leaves of Genipa americana at a dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produce mortality. SGOT, SGPT, Creatinine phosphokinase, LDH, urea and creatinine were elevated in 300 and 2000 mg/kg doses. In conclusion, though there was no mortality, the extract of G. americana higher than 300 mg/kg can produce signs of biochemical and histopathological toxicity in liver and kidney. It is recommended that lower doses than the studied ones should be used for treatment.