Safety evaluation of proanthocyanidin polymer-rich fraction obtained from stem bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens (BARBATIMÃO) for use as a pharmacological agent

The widespread use of medicinal plants among the Brazilian population warrants an assessment of the potential risks associated with their intake. Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão) is one of the most frequently used medicinal plants in Brazil, and the risks associated with its use have yet to be investigated. This study evaluated the genotoxic safety of the use of the proanthocyanidin polymer-rich fraction (F2) of stem bark of S. adstringens. The micronucleus test with 750, 1500, and 2250 mg kg−1 of F2 administered in Mus musculus (Swiss) outbred mice, showed respectively, 5.0 ± 0.8 (Mean ± S.D.), 9.1 ± 1.7, and 10.6 ± 1.9 micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE). A positive control with cyclophosphamide resulted in 21.0 ± 3.8 MNPCE. Antimutagenicity was also evaluated, by adding 750 mg kg−1 to cyclophosphamide; the result of 8.7 ± 1.4 showed a protective cytotoxic effect. For the Artemia salina test, 10, 100, and 1000 mg L−1 of F2 showed, respectively, 8.7 ± 0.6, 7.7 ± 0.6, and 5.7 ± 1.2 survival, i.e., F2 did not inhibit 50% of the population when compared to the control (9.7 ± 0.6). These results indicated that F2 obtained from stem bark of S. adstringens has no genotoxic activity.