Ecotoxicological evaluation of the residues of Lippia alba Mill. on Eisenia andrei (earthworm)

Abstract

Introduction: Lippia alba is a plant widely distributed around the world. Its extracts and essential oils are used in various pharmaceutical and cosmetics formulations, including anti-inflammatory frictions. There is currently no scientific information available on the impact the impact of plant residues generated in the production of these formulations on the soil ecosystem, which makes large-scale production of this product difficult. In this ecosystem, the earthworm (Eisenia andrei) is a representative biomodel. Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of the vegetal waste generated during the production of herbal formulations of Lippia alba on Eisenia andrei. Methods: A preliminary phytochemical characterization was made through phytochemical screening, profiling by high performance liquid chromatography, quantification of phenols by Folin-Ciocalteu and flavonoids by aluminum chloride methods. The evaluation in earthworm was carried out by contact and degradation tests on soil, worm humus and artificial substrates. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins. Rutin was identified as the major compound in the chromatographic profile. In the direct contact test of the aqueous extract, no signs of toxicity were observed, so we continued with the residue degradation test, in which total degradation was evidenced in the humus substrate at 56 days; this was not the case for the rest of the substrates. Conclusions: The plant residue of the hydroalcoholic extract of Lippia alba do not show toxicity on E. andrei.

Keywords

• plantas medicinales
• lombriz de tierra
• toxicología
• rutina.