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Published on: August 14, 2019
Kaempferol, a mutagenic flavonol from Helichrysum simillimum
Ee Elgorashi1, Fr van Heerden, J van Staden
1Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville, South Africa.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|February 27, 2009
Summary
This study identified kaempferol as a mutagenic compound in Helichrysum simillimum, a South African plant used in traditional medicine. Further research is needed to understand its safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Helichrysum simillimum, a South African native, is traditionally used for various ailments including coughs, colds, fever, infections, headaches, and menstrual pain.
- Preliminary studies indicated mutagenic effects of H. simillimum extracts in the Salmonella/microsome assay, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify the specific constituents responsible for the mutagenic activity observed in Helichrysum simillimum extracts.
- To elucidate the chemical basis of potential toxicity associated with this medicinal plant.
Main Methods:
- Bioassay-guided fractionation was employed, utilizing Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 to guide the isolation process.
- A 90% aqueous methanol extract of H. simillimum was systematically fractionated to pinpoint the mutagenic compound(s).
Main Results:
- The bioassay-guided fractionation successfully led to the isolation of a specific compound from the H. simillimum extract.
- The isolated compound was identified as the flavonol, kaempferol.
Conclusions:
- Kaempferol was identified as a mutagenic constituent of Helichrysum simillimum.
- This finding contributes to understanding the safety profile of H. simillimum in traditional medicine and warrants further toxicological evaluation.
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