Evaluation of toxicity by in vitro alternative methods of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, Drimys brasiliensis and Minthostachys setosa essential oils

Abstract

The essential oils compositions have aromatic substances that can present large spectrum of pharmacological activities, becoming candidates to use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. However, the effectiveness and safety must be evaluated by pharmacological and toxicological tests. Currently, in vitro toxicological are demanded by the scientific communities and Animal Protection Associations, due to possibility of higher number of replicates than in vivo test. The European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), European Cosmetics Association (COLIPA), Personal Care Products Council (CTFA), Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) and Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM) recommends in vitro validated methods because they are rugged and true. The aim of project is to evaluate the cytotoxicity, fototoxicity and genotoxic potential of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, Drimys brasiliensi, e a Minthostachys setosa essential oils, not still analyzed from Latin American flora plants. In the cytotoxicity test with MTS IC10 (concentration that inhibits 10% of challenged cells) and IC50 will be determined (concentration that inhibits 50% of challenged cells) that they mean, respectively, maximum not toxic concentration and the cytotoxic potential of the samples. The 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Assay will indicate cells viability in contact with the samples, in the presence and absence of light, determining Factor of Photo-Irritation (PIF) and Medium Photo Effect (MPE). In vitro micronucleus (MNvit) test will analyze genotóxic potential of the samples by the formation of micronuclei that will be evaluated based on Cytokinesis Blocked Proliferation Index (CBPI) and the Replication Index (RI). (AU)