Cyto/Genotoxic Effects of Pistacia atlantica Resin, a Traditional Gum

In recent years, many researchers have focused on native plants to search for a new source of natural components with medical approach, especially by means of anticancer potential. One of these natural components is Saqez, the resin of Pistacia atlantica sub-kurdica with the local name of Baneh. It has been reported as an anticancer and apoptosis inducer component; therefore, in this research, we aimed to evaluate the solvated resin's possible cyto/genotoxic effects. The cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to distinguish the role of apoptosis and necrosis in cell toxicity, which was further confirmed by Comet and DNA ladder assay, and 4,6-diamidino2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Pistacia atlantica's resin decreased the growth of the treated cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and single-strand DNA breaks have been observed through comet assay. Moreover, morphological changes of DAPI-stained cells showed fragmentation in the nucleus of resin-treated cells. In addition, early and late apoptosis in the treated cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis, also DNA ladder assay showed fragmentation in DNA of the treated cells. This study has revealed that the resin has significant cyto/genotoxic effects on cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Our results show that apoptosis and necrosis are the dominant mechanisms by which the resin affects cell lines. Although the resin of P. atlantica is the main source of mastic gum and has been used for a long time as a natural remedy for different diseases, it is necessary to perform thorough analysis due to its cyto/genotoxicity in vivo.