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Toxicity and mutagenic activity of some selected Nigerian plants

A A Sowemimo1, F A Fakoya, I Awopetu

  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|August 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated the toxicity and mutagenic potential of Nigerian plants used for cancer treatment. Several plants showed cytotoxic and mutagenic effects, justifying their traditional use, while others were found to be non-toxic.

Area of Science:

  • Phytochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Many African plants are used in traditional cancer management, but their safety and efficacy are often unverified.
  • Scientific investigation into the toxicity and mutagenic potential of these ethnomedicinal plants is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the toxicity and mutagenic potential of selected Nigerian plants used in cancer treatment.
  • To assess the activity of plant extracts using brine shrimp lethality, telomerase inhibition, and chromosomal aberration assays.

Main Methods:

  • Ethanolic extracts of Nigerian plants were tested for toxicity using the brine shrimp lethality assay.
  • Inhibition of telomerase activity was assessed.
  • In vivo chromosomal aberrations in rat lymphocytes were induced and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Morinda lucida, Nymphaea lotus, and Garcinia kola showed activity across all three assays.
  • Several other plants exhibited toxicity to brine shrimp and induced chromosomal damage.
  • Chenopodium ambrosioides was non-toxic but inhibited telomerase, suggesting potential selectivity.

Conclusions:

  • The study validates the use of eight plants and Chenopodium ambrosioides in Nigerian cancer management, though they may lack selectivity.
  • Most investigated plants, except Chenopodium ambrosioides, demonstrated mutagenic and cytotoxic properties.
  • Further research is needed to understand the varying mechanisms of action for these ethnomedicinal plants.

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