Efeitos citotóxicos e mutagênicos de sementes de Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. associada ao uso para emagrecimento

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.4791426060110

• Palavras-chave: Emagrecimento, Noz da índia e Teste de Ames.

• Keywords: Weight loss; Aleurites moluccana; Ames test.

• Abstract: Overweight is a significant public health problem, being associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. In addition to clinical implications, aesthetic factors and contemporary sociocultural standards that favor slim body shapes have driven the search for weight loss strategies. One such strategy is the use of natural products, often perceived as safe alternatives, although they may present adverse effects. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic and cytotoxic activity of Aleurites moluccana seeds, which are popularly used for weight loss. Mutagenic activity was investigated using the Ames test with Salmonella Typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTS reduction assay in HeLa cells. The Ames test results indicated mutagenic potential at concentrations of 38.000 µg.mL⁻¹ and 19.400 µg·mL⁻¹, without metabolic activation, for strain TA98, and at 19.400 µg.mL⁻¹, with and without metabolic activation, for strain TA100. In the cytotoxicity assay, the seeds showed cytotoxic effects after 48 hours of exposure at concentrations of 38.000 µg.mL⁻¹ and 19.400 µg.mL⁻¹, with cell viability of 49.95% and 35.31%, respectively. Thus, the results demonstrate that A. moluccana seeds exhibit mutagenic and cytotoxic potential at certain concentrations, indicating potential risks associated with their consumption. Further studies, including phytochemical analyses, are necessary to identify the compounds responsible for these effects and to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of their safety.