Tinospora cordifolia, a safety evaluation.
C V Chandrasekaran1, L N Mathuram, Prabhu Daivasigamani
1Department of Cellular Assay, R&D Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 5B, Veerasandra Indl. Area, 19th K.M. Stone, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560 100, India. cvc@naturalremedy.com
Summary
The aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) showed no mutagenic or genotoxic effects in multiple assays. This study confirms the safety of TC for potential medicinal applications, supporting its traditional use.
Area of Science:
- Phytomedicine
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is a vital medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used for various ailments and immune support.
- Its widespread use necessitates rigorous safety evaluations, particularly concerning genotoxic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess the genotoxic risk of the aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TC).
- To evaluate TC's safety profile using a battery of standard genotoxicity tests.
Main Methods:
- Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains.
- In vitro chromosome aberration assay in human lymphocytes.
- Rodent bone marrow micronucleus assay in mice.
- Comet assay in mice lymphocytes and bone marrow cells.
Main Results:
- The Ames test showed no mutagenic effects of TC up to 5000 microg/plate.
- TC was not clastogenic to human lymphocytes in vitro at concentrations up to 3000 microg/ml.
- In vivo assays (micronucleus and Comet) revealed no clastogenicity or DNA damage in mice treated with TC.
Conclusions:
- The aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) demonstrates a lack of genotoxic potential across multiple in vitro and in vivo assays.
- These findings support the safety of TC for its traditional medicinal uses and warrant further investigation into its therapeutic benefits.
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