Minthostachys verticillata essential oils as potential phytogenic additives and chemoprotective strategy on aflatoxin B1 toxicity

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of Minthostachys verticillata essential oil (Mv-EO) against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in Vero cells in vitro and in male rats. The cytotoxicity of AFB1 (0-30 µg/mL) and Mv-EO (0-500 µg/mL) was determined on Vero cells using the Neutral Red assays. The tested Mv-EO did not cause genotoxicity or cytotoxicity in vivo and was able to attenuate AFB1-caused cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Animals were divided into four groups consisting of 5 (five) rats in each group: T1 basal feed (BF – negative control), T2 BF + Mv-EO [0.04%], T3 BF + AFB1 [100 µg/kg], T4 BF + food with AFB1 [100 µg/kg] + Mv-EO [0.04%]. Tissue samples were collected at the end of treatment period for genotoxic study and histological examination. Treatment with Mv-EO alone and even combined with AFB1 showed a significant improvement in the histomorphometry of intestinal villi, without alteration of productive parameters. Also, the micronucleus test demonstrated that Mv-EO reduced AFB1-induced DNA damage on bone marrow cells of male Wistar rats. This study demonstrated that Mv-EO could be used as protective against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and as phytogenic feed additive.