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Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as cotton-leaf physicnut, is a milky shrub notable for its medicinal properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the latex of J. gossypiifolia, using Allium cepa L. as test system. Seeds of A. cepa were exposed to five concentrations of the latex (1.25; 2.5; 5; 10 and 20 mL/L) in order to evaluate parameters of toxicity (evaluation of root growth), cytotoxicity (mitotic index frequency) and genotoxicity (frequency of chromosome alterations). The latex showed a significant decrease in root mean growth value as well as mitotic index for the tested concentrations, except for 1.25 mL/L, when compared to results from the negative control. The 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mL/L concentrations induced significant chromo-some adherences, C-metaphases and/or chromosome bridges, as genotoxic effects. The significant frequency of chromosome bridges also indicated mutagenic potential for chromosomes of J. gossypiifolia as discussed in the paper. Considering that the latex is used in popular therapies, and that the test system A. cepa presents good correlation with tests carried out in mammals, it can be pointed out that its use for medicinal purposes may be harmful to human health especially if ingested.

ABSTRACT. Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in popular medicine. However, further toxicological studies are necessary for its reliable use. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of J. gossypiifolia, using the test system Allium cepa. In addition, the phytochemical profile of the extracts was also obtained. Seeds of A. cepa were subjected to different concentrations of the two extracts (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL). Distilled water was used for the negative control and methyl methanesulfonate (4 x 10 -4 M) and trifluralin (0.84 ppm) for the positive controls. The values of mitotic index at all concentrations of ethanolic extract and at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL aqueous extract showed a significant decrease. Alterations, such as chromosome adherence, C-metaphases, chromosome bridges, nuclear buds, and micronuclei were verified in both extracts but chromosome loss indicating genotoxic activity was observed only in the ethanolic extract. Presence of micronuclei on administration of the extracts, also indicated mutagenic action at the chromosome level. In the ethanolic extract, aneugenicity seemed to be the main activity, probably as a result of the action of terpenes and/or flavonoids, whereas in the aqueous extract, clastogenic action appeared to be the principal activity, presumably as a consequence of the effect of flavonoids and/or saponins. Thus, we suggest that the extracts of this species should be used with great caution for medicinal purpose.

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RESUMO Esta pesquisa avaliou a dinâmica e a distribuição dos metais Cu (II), Cr (III), Pb (II) e Fe (III), em amostras de água superficiais no Riacho Capivara e Riacho Bacuri na cidade de Imperatriz, Maranhão. As amostras de água foram coletadas em 2 pontos de amostragem à montante e jusante da cidade de Imperatriz para avaliar a influência da urbanização. Foram analisados os metais potencialmente tóxicos Cu (II), Cr (III), Pb (II) e Fe (III) e os seguintes parâmetros físicos e químicos: pH, sólidos totais dissolvidos, turbidez, e condutividade elétrica. As determinações dos metais foram feitas por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica em chama (FAAS). As variações observadas para os parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, Condutividade Sólidos Totais Dissolvidos e Turbidez) indicam alterações na qualidade da água em virtude de ações antrópicas. Foi observada a presença sistemática de todos os metais investigados durante todo o período amostrado. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que Cu (II), Cr (III), Pb (II) e Fe (III) encontram-se preferencialmente associados a material particulado em suspensão (MPS). As variações observadas para os parâmetros físico-químicos e nas concentrações dos metais investigados indicam haver contribuição de caráter antropogênico associada à litologia da região, o que juntamente com a sazonalidade e fontes difusas e pontuais, contribuem, para a deterioração das águas superficiais desses corpos hídricos.