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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Use of Frozen Tissue in the Comet Assay for the Evaluation of DNA Damage
Published on: March 24, 2020
Antigenotoxic activity of watercress extract in an in vitro mammalian system using comet assay
Natalia A Casanova1, Marta A Carballo
1CIGETOX, INFIBIOC, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Watercress (Cruciferae), an integral part of Mediterranean diets, is a nutritive food which is used in the treatment of several diseases. Oxidative DNA damage seems to play a crucial role in chronic, aging-related diseases and it is considered an important and probably carcinogenic factor. The aim of this work was to determine the impact of watercress extract on cell viability and its potential antigenotoxic properties against induced oxidative damage, using a comet assay and peripheral blood cells as an in vitro model. An aqueous extract of the leaves was prepared using a juice processor, centrifuged, filtered and preserved at -20 °C. Two concentrations of the aqueous extract (13.2 and 26.4 mg/mL) were assayed. No differences were found in cell viability between the control and treated groups at any time. Significant antigenotoxic effects were observed for both concentrations, expressed as the damage index (p = 0.005 at 30 min; p < 0.001 at 60 and 90 min), the percentage reductions in damage being similar between them (67.1-75.2% respectively). These results suggest that the consumption watercress in the diet is a powerful tool for improving health and the quality of life.
Insights
Watercress extract shows significant antigenotoxic effects, protecting against oxidative DNA damage without impacting cell viability. This suggests watercress consumption can improve health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Oxidative DNA damage is implicated in aging and chronic diseases.
- Watercress is a nutrient-rich food common in Mediterranean diets.
- Antioxidant properties of foods are crucial for disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of watercress extract on cell viability.
- To assess the antigenotoxic potential of watercress against induced oxidative damage.
- To use peripheral blood cells as an in vitro model for testing.
Main Methods:
- An aqueous extract of watercress leaves was prepared.
- Peripheral blood cells were exposed to oxidative stress and watercress extract.
- Cell viability and DNA damage were assessed using the comet assay.
- Two concentrations of watercress extract (13.2 and 26.4 mg/mL) were tested.
Main Results:
- Watercress extract did not affect cell viability at tested concentrations.
- Significant antigenotoxic effects were observed at both concentrations.
- Reductions in DNA damage ranged from 67.1% to 75.2% within 90 minutes.
- The protective effect was statistically significant (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Watercress extract possesses significant antigenotoxic properties.
- It effectively protects against induced oxidative DNA damage in vitro.
- Dietary consumption of watercress may contribute to improved health and quality of life.
