Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp floccosum extract: screening for mutagenic and antimutagenic activity

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Toxicology
• Genetics

Background:

• Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp floccosum is traditionally used in Brazil for inflammation and infection.
• Limited data exists on the mutagenic potential of M. polymorphum extracts, crucial for safety assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of Moquiniastrum polymorphum ethanolic extract (MPEE).
• To assess the safety implications of MPEE using Allium cepa meristematic cells.

Main Methods:

• Allium cepa seeds were treated with MPEE, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), or a combination.
• Chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index were analyzed in 15,000 cells per treatment.
• Experiments were conducted in triplicate with a 120 h culture and 48 h treatment period.

Main Results:

• MPEE alone did not induce mutagenicity in Allium cepa cells.
• MPEE significantly reduced MMS-induced chromosomal damage and decreased the mitotic index.
• A post-treatment effect suggested MPEE might influence the cell cycle.

Conclusions:

• MPEE exhibits significant antimutagenic properties.
• MPEE is not mutagenic and may induce cell cycle arrest in Allium cepa.
• Further research into MPEE's mechanism of action and cell cycle effects is warranted.