Intoxicação experimental por Passiflora sp. em caprinos.

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the toxicity of Passiflora sp in goats, in different season of the year, and to determine the toxic compound of the plant. Twenty goats were used, divided into three groups, two experimental (one received the plant during the drought period, and another during the rainy season) and a control. The leaves of the plant were administered, orally, immediately after collection, by putting small amounts in the mouth of the animals, at the dose of 10g/kg bw. Before the administration the levels of cyanide in the plant were tested by the picrosodic paper test; reactions were reported as, mild, moderate and intense. Goats from both experimental groups showed clinical signs of intoxication, but there were differences of toxicity between samples collected in different months, but samples collected during the dry season were more toxic. These results demonstrated that Passiflora sp. is a plant that causes cyanide poisoning after ingestion of fresh leaves, especially during drought. According to this information are recommended measures for prophylaxis and treatment of poisoning.