PURPOSE: To evaluate the hepatic effect of Croton cajucara Benth (sacaca) herbal extract in rats. METHODS: 60 Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus albinus) were used, weighing between 250 and 350 g. The animals were distributed randomically in 2 groups: GS - animals which received daily 0,1 ml/ 100 g of sacaca herbal extract through gavage, and GA -animals which received daily 0,1 ml/100g of distilled water through gavage. These were distributed in 3 subgroups with 10 animals, according to theirs euthanasia dates, which were 14th, 28th and 56th day of treatment. RESULTS: Architectural alterations were not observed, however when it was analyzed the presence or absence of necrosis, it was observed in 50% of GS28 subgroup and 90% of subgroup. In 50% of the animals from GS28 subgroup and 90% of GS56 subgroup was observed vast degeneration areas and zonal necrosis, regarding center-lobular veins alterations, there were no alterations in any of the groups CONCLUSION: The Croton cajucara Benth (sacaca) herbal extract in this experiment caused degeneration and hepatic necrosis, suggesting dose-dependent action.
Plants; Medicinal; Liver; Phytotherapic Drugs; Rats
