Study of acute oral toxicity and genotoxic, mutagenic, and antimutagenic potential of the methanolic fraction of Buchenavia tetraphylla (AUBL.) R.A. Howard.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8135425100712

• Palavras-chave: Micronucleus; Comet assay; Ames test; Safety of use; DNA.

• Keywords: Micronucleus; Comet assay; Ames test; Safety of use; DNA.

• Abstract:

  Buchenavia tetraphylla is a tree reported as ethnomedical by communities in the semi-arid region, used as an expectorant, antitussive, against diarrhea, indigestion, and as a tonic against weakness. Studies with B. tetraphylla have shown antimicrobial activity promoted by its extracts and fractions; however, there is no information about its toxicity. The use of plant products should always be based on information about their chemical composition and safety of use, as they can be potentially toxic. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute oral toxicity, genotoxic and mutagenic potential in vivo and in vitro, and anti-mutagenic potential of the methanolic fraction of B. tetraphylla (BtMeOH). For the in vivo tests, the fraction was administered orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice. The animals were observed for 14 days after administration to assess acute oral toxicity. In vivo genotoxicity and mutagenicity were evaluated using the comet assay and micronucleus test, respectively, 48 hours after administration of the fraction. In vitro mutagenic potential was assessed using the Ames test. BtMeOH did not induce significant changes in acute toxicity analyses. The fraction did not induce an increase in the frequency or index of DNA damage. The number of micronuclei in the erythrocytes of animals treated with BtMeOH was similar to that of the negative control group. However, at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, the BtMeOH fraction showed a mutagenic index (MI) > 2.0 for strain TA97, indicating mutagenic action. At a concentration of 10 mg/mL, BtMeOH showed no evidence of mutagenicity for any of the strains tested. The fraction also managed to reverse mutations induced by mutagenic agents. These results indicate that BtMeOH was not significantly genotoxic or mutagenic, showing few changes in the DNA structures analyzed.