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Mutagenicity testing of some medicinal herbs
S Riazuddin1, M M Malik, A Nasim
1Centre for Advanced Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Certain Pakistani naswar and herbal medicine extracts showed mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium strains. Green naswar of Peshawar and three herbs were mutagenic, potentially due to cyclic aromatic compounds, raising safety concerns.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Naswar and indigenous herbs are widely used in Pakistan.
- Assessing the genotoxicity of these substances is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mutagenic potential of naswar brands and indigenous herbs.
- To identify specific compounds responsible for mutagenicity.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial reverse mutation assay using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537).
- Testing of petroleum ether and organic extracts from naswar and herbs.
- Identification of cyclic aromatic compounds linked to mutagenicity.
Main Results:
- Green naswar of Peshawar demonstrated mutagenicity across all four tester strains.
- Organic extracts of Saussurea lappa, Swertia chiraita, and Skimmia laureola were mutagenic in strain TA98.
- Mutagenicity was linked to specific cyclic aromatic compounds in green naswar of Peshawar and Saussurea lappa.
Conclusions:
- Some naswar brands and indigenous herbs possess mutagenic properties.
- Cyclic aromatic compounds in these natural products may pose health risks.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of uncontrolled use.