Toxicological potential of Aloysia gratissima: Insights from chemical analysis and in vitro studies

Aloysia gratissima leaves are popularly used to treat respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders. Several studies have been carried out to determine the biological activity of A. gratissima, such as its antibacterial and anti-edematogenic activities, but despite the beneficial uses of A. g...

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Published in:Journal of ethnopharmacology 2023-10, Vol.314, p.116614-116614, Article 116614
Main Authors: Lopes da Silva, Francisco Laerte, Scotti, Amanda Souza, Garcia, Ana Letícia Hilário, Brodt Lemes, Maria Luiza, Grivicich, Ivana, dos Reis, Gabriela Mendonça, Dias, Johnny Ferraz, Menezes Boaretto, Fernanda Brião, Picada, Jaqueline Nascimento, da Silva, Juliana, Ferraz, Alexandre de Barros Falcão
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Comet assay
Pixe analyses
Rutin
Salmonella/microsome assay
SH-SY5Y cells
Verbascoside
Verbenaceae
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Summary:Aloysia gratissima leaves are popularly used to treat respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders. Several studies have been carried out to determine the biological activity of A. gratissima, such as its antibacterial and anti-edematogenic activities, but despite the beneficial uses of A. gratissima, few studies have examined the toxicological profile of this plant. Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic potential, and antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of A. gratissima leaves (AG-AEL). The phytochemical constitution of AG-AEL was assessed by colorimetric analyses and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The inorganic elements were detected by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The antioxidant, cytotoxicity, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities were evaluated in vitro by Di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH), Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, comet assay, and Salmonella/microsome assays. AG-AEL indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. HPLC detected rutin at 2.41 ± 0.33 mg/100 mg. PIXE analysis indicated the presence of Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, and Zn. The 50% inhibitory concentration was 84.17 ± 3.17 μg/mL in the DPPH assay. Genotoxic effects were observed using the Comet assay in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and mutations were observed in TA102 and TA97a strains. The extract showed cytotoxic activities against ovarian (OVCAR-3), glioblastoma (U87MG), and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. In conclusion, AG-AEL increased DNA damage, induced frameshift, and oxidative mutations, and showed cytotoxic activities against different cancer cells. The in vitro toxicological effects observed suggest that this plant preparation should be used with caution, despite its pharmacological potential. [Display omitted] •Aloysia gratissima leaves extract was genotoxic in human neuroblastoma cells.•Inorganic elements were found in Aloysia gratissima leaves extract.•Aloysia gratissima leaves extract induced mutagenicity and genotoxicity.•Aloysia gratissima leaves extract had higher cytotoxic against ovarian cancer cells.
ISSN:0378-8741
1872-7573
DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116614