Toxicology Reports (Jan 2021)

Myorelaxation, respiratory depression and electrocardiographic changes caused by the administration of extract of açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) stone in rats

  • Nilton Akio Muto,
  • Moisés Hamoy,
  • David Cristian Rodrigues Lucas,
  • Bruno Brito Teixeira,
  • Adrielle Felicia Santos Almeida,
  • Thamires de Castro Navegantes,
  • Vaniza Sheila de Sousa Ferreira de Sá,
  • Brenda Pinto de Moraes,
  • João Paulo do Vale Medeiros,
  • Yasmin Amorim dos Santos,
  • Claúdia Quintino da Rocha,
  • Vanessa Joia de Mello,
  • Hervé Rogez

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8
pp. 829 – 838

Abstract

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The biological and pharmacological properties of natural polyphenols of the extract of Euterpe oleracea stone (EEOS) are associated with the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate the sedative and myorelaxant activity of EEOS in vivo, this study aimed to present the myorelaxant and sedative effects of EEOS in Wistar rats using spontaneous locomotor activity and motor electrophysiology. A total of 108 animals were used in the following experiments: a) behavioral tests (n = 27); b) electromyographic recordings of skeletal muscle (n = 27); c) respiratory muscle activity recordings (n = 27); d) cardiac muscle activity recordings (n = 27). The behavioral characteristics were measured according to the latency time of onset, the transient loss of posture reflex and maximum muscle relaxation. Electrodes were implanted in the gastrocnemius muscle and in the tenth intercostal space for electromyographic (EMG) signal capture to record muscle contraction, and in the D2 lead for electrocardiogram acquisition. After using the 300 mg/kg dose of EEOS intraperitoneally, a myorelaxant activity exhibited a lower frequency of contractility with an amplitude pattern of low and short duration at gastrocnemius muscle and intercostal muscle, which clearly describes a myorelaxant activity and changes in cardiac activity. The present report is so far the first study to demonstrate the myorelaxant activity of this extract, indicating an alternative route for açai stone valorization and its application in pharmaceutical fields.

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