Experimental intoxication in mice with extracts of Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae)

A study was carried out to examine the toxic effects of Mascagnia rigida Griseb. Four classes of compounds were extracted from the plant by phytochemistry study and the individual effect of each one on mice was examined as follows: group I- alkaloids; group II- flavones; group III - tannins; group IV saponins; and group V - water (control). Each group was further divided in three subgroups, A (9g/ kg), B (18g/ kg), and C (27g/ kg), with five mice orally receiving a particular dose, once per day for one week. On the 7th day, blood was collected and hematological exams and levels of muscle enzymes were analyzed. The results showed that both alkaloids and tannins caused a significant increase in myocardial enzyme. Administration of either saponins or tannins fractions caused an increase of CK-MB enzyme. This study showed that Mascagnia rigida Griseb has the ability to cause damage to myocardial fibers.