Abstract

Wissadula periplocifolia (L.) C. Presl is a plant of the Malvaceae family that is popularly known as white velvet leaf (“jangadeira” and “malva-malva” in Brazil). Species of this family are used in folk medicine as diuretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agents. This study evaluated the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of a crude ethanolic extract of W. periplocifolia. Acute toxicity testing revealed reduced food intake and decreased serum creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels in males, as compared to the control group, suggesting a loss of muscle mass. Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity using a rat paw carrageenan-induced edema model showed that 25 mg/kg of this ethanolic extract significantly reduced edema, although this was not observed at higher doses. These findings indicated that this W. periplocifolia extract was non-toxic and had some anti-inflammatory effects. However, a more comprehensive assessment is necessary to evaluate other possible indicators of toxicity, particularly during chronic administration.

Key words: Wissadula periplocifolia, acute toxicity, toxicological test, ethanolic extract , anti-inflammatory activity.