Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the toxicity of croton heliotropiifolius kunth (euphorbiacea) on artemia salina leach

Abstract

The Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth species is used to treat stomach discomforts, vomiting, dysentery and as antipyretic. This work was developed in order to perform a phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of the stem, flowers and leaves of the species C. heliotropiifolius, and evaluate toxicity on Artemia salina. The stem extracts, flowers and leaves showed yields of 22.7 %; 31.4 %; 14.2 %, respectively. The presence of chemical compounds such as flavonoids in leaves and flowers, coumarins stem and in lower concentrations in the flowers has been identified. Alkaloids and saponins are absent in the studied material. The methanol extracts showed high toxicity (CL50 values <80 μg / mL) to Artemia salina. This study may contribute to the deepening of knowledge of the chemical composition and toxicity of this species.