Short report Antiinflammatory activity and acute toxicity of Dodonaea viscosa N.M. Khalil a, ⁎ , J.S. Sperotto b , M.P. Manfron b a Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, UFVJM, Rua da Glória 187, Diamantina/MG, 39100-000, Brazil b Department of Pharmacy Industry, UFSM, Av. Roraima s/n Prédio 26, CCS, DFI, Camobi, Santa Maria/RS, 97119-900, Brazil Received 6 September 2005; accepted 12 June 2006 Available online 6 July 2006 Abstract The hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa, given by oral route at dose of 300 mg/kg, significantly inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenin injection. The extract did not show any sign of toxicity in mice up to 5000 mg/kg p.o. This result seems to support the use of D. viscosa leaves ethanolic extract in relieving inflammation. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Dodonaea viscosa; Antiinflammatory activity; Acute toxicity 1. Plant The Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) leaves, collected from São Gabriel region (RS–Brasil) in May 1997 were identified by Gilberto Dolejal Zanett. A voucher specimen (SMDB 10.062) was deposited in the Department of Biological of UFSM, Santa Maria–Brazil. 2. Uses in traditional medicine and reported activities D. viscosa is used for the treatment of rheumatism, skin infections and diarrhea. A traditional use of the plant as an antispasmodic, an antiinflammatory (roots), an antipyretic and an antimicrobial agent has been reported [1–5]. 3. Previously isolated compounds and classes of constituents Flavonoids, terpenes, coumarins and steroids [6–9]. 4. Tested material Shade-dried, powdered leaves were extracted with aq. EtOH 70%. The extract was concentrated to give a semi-solid residue (yield: 30%). Fitoterapia 77 (2006) 478 – 480 www.elsevier.com/locate/fitote ⁎ Corresponding author. Tel./fax: +55 38 3531 1030. E-mail address: najeh@universia.com.br (N.M. Khalil). 0367-326X/$ - see front matter © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2006.06.002