Evaluación toxicológica y farmacológica del extracto etanólico de las semillas de Swietenia humilis Zucc (caobilla)

The seeds of Swietenia humilis Zucc, traditionally consumed in many communities in the state of Sinaloa and other parts of the interior of Mexico for its healing properties in the treatment of different diseases like parasitosis, diarrhea, hyperglycemia and some conditions as overweight. Therefore the objective of this study was performed a pharmacological study of the ethanolic extract of the Swietenia humilis Zucc seeds. This study consisted in the determination of antinociceptive, and anticonvulsant activities of lethal dose 50 (LD₅₀), in adults mice NIH. The in vitro spasmolytic effect and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated too. It was found that the LD₅₀ was higher than 100 mg/Kg so their use is secure. With respect to the antinociceptive activity, all the administered doses reduce the number of contortions induced by acetic acid administration. The extract had not anticonvulsant activity and they did not show antioxidant activity, however it had spasmolytic activity. There were not else where reports about its spasmolytic and antinociceptive effects, therefore it is suggested to continue the evaluation of this extract to elucidate the structures responsible for these effects.