Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptotic induction of an aqueous extract of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC

Abstract

Achyrocline satureioides is widely consumed as infusion or aperitifs and shows important therapeutic properties. Previously, we reported absence of genotoxicity of cold aqueous extract (CAE) of A. satureioides by Allium test. However, one test cannot predict the genotoxic effects of a substance. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptotic ability of CAE of A. satureioides. In addition, CAE was chemically characterized. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by Trypan blue and MTT assays. The apoptotic capacity was evaluated by Hoechst staining and DNA fragmentation-analysis. The genotoxicity was studied by comet assay (CA) and micronucleus test. The identification and quantification of flavonoids was performed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The cytotoxic studies indicated low toxicity of CAE. In addition, CAE did not induce apoptotic effects on human PBMCs. CA revealed that 10-50μg/mL of CAE did not show genotoxicity in vitro against Vero cells. CAE did not induce in vivo genotoxic effects, but it shows at high concentrations cytotoxicity by micronucleus assay. CAE shows the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin, 3-O-methylquercetin and luteolin. In conclusion, A. satureioides at concentrations which are popularly used, in aperitifs or infusion, can be consumed safely because did not show any cytotoxic or genotoxic effects