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Modification of metal-induced micronuclei formation in mouse bone marrow erythrocytes by Phyllanthus fruit extract
Abstract:
The comparative efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, and its main constituent, ascorbic acid, in modifying the cytotoxic action of lead and aluminium was evaluated in vivo in bone marrow cells of Mus musculus. Oral administration of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract for 7 days before exposure to the metals through intraperitoneal injections reduced the frequency of micronuclei induced by all doses of both metals. Priming with comparable doses of synthetic ascorbic acid reduced micronuclei formation induced by both doses of aluminium and only the lower dose of lead. With the higher dose of lead (20 mg/kg body wt.) priming with ascorbic acid increased the frequency of micronuclei when compared with mice administered lead alone. The greater efficacy of Phyllanthus fruit extract in alleviating metal-induced clastogenicity may be due to the combined action of all ingredients in the crude extract, rather than to ascorbic acid alone.
Insights
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract effectively reduced metal-induced genotoxicity in mice bone marrow cells. The crude extract showed greater efficacy than ascorbic acid alone, suggesting synergistic effects of its components.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- In vivo studies
Background:
- Lead and aluminium are toxic metals that can cause genotoxicity.
- Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry) is a fruit with known antioxidant properties.
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a major component of Phyllanthus emblica.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the protective effects of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract and ascorbic acid against lead and aluminium-induced cytotoxicity.
- To evaluate the genotoxic effects in bone marrow cells of Mus musculus.
Main Methods:
- Mice were orally administered Phyllanthus emblica extract or ascorbic acid for 7 days.
- Mice were then exposed to lead or aluminium via intraperitoneal injections.
- Micronuclei frequency in bone marrow cells was assessed as a measure of genotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Phyllanthus emblica extract reduced micronuclei frequency induced by all doses of lead and aluminium.
- Ascorbic acid reduced micronuclei formation induced by aluminium and lower dose of lead.
- Ascorbic acid exacerbated lead-induced micronuclei frequency at a higher dose.
Conclusions:
- Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract demonstrates significant protective effects against metal-induced genotoxicity.
- The crude extract's efficacy may stem from synergistic actions of multiple compounds, not solely ascorbic acid.
- Phyllanthus emblica shows potential as a natural agent to mitigate heavy metal toxicity.
