Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e subaguda do extrato de frutos de Jacaratia spinosa (Aubl.) A. DC em camundongos

Jacaratia spinosa (Aubl.) A. DC is an edible unconventional fruit rich in latex consumed by some Brazilian communities, and its toxicity has not been thoroughly tested. Thus, in vitro and/or in vivo tests are recommended to evaluate the safety of the fruit as food source. The present study evaluated acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Jaracatia spinosa wild fruit (JE) administered orally in mice. At the end of subacute testing (28 days), the blood was evaluated for haematological and biochemical parameters and vital organs were submitted to histological analysis. No toxic effects were observed in the acute test. Subacute test, however, identified piloerection signals, increase in alanine transaminase and liver hypochromia. These results suggest that the subacute use of Jaracatia spinosa may produce signs of toxicity, thus suggesting that the consumption of fruits in high amounts or for a long time may produce adverse outcomes for health.