Genotoxic effects of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl. (Lamiales, Bignoniaceae) extract in Wistar rats

Abstract

Tabebuia sp. is native to tropical rain forests throughout Central and South America. Although the biological and pharmacological effects of bark extracts have been intensely studied, little is known on the extract obtained from the flower. Herein, the genotoxic potential of a flower extract from T. impetiginosa (“ipê roxo”) on the blood and liver cells of Wistar rats was evaluated. Experimental procedures involved only male animals. Graduated concentrations of the extract, viz., 100, 300 and 500 mg kg−1 of body weight, were gavage-administered and 24 h latter cells were collected and processed for analysis. With the exception of the 100 mg kg−1 dose, a significant increase in DNA damage was noted, when compared with a negative control group. Although the genotoxic potential of this extract was higher in liver cells, the response in both tissues was related to dose-dependency. Even though DNA damage can be corrected before conversion into mutations, further study is recommended to arrive at a better understanding of incurred biological effects.

Reduction of doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity by Handroanthus impetiginosus in mouse bone marrow revealed by micronucleus assay

“…The analysis of liver and blood cells after 24 h of treatment (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of body weight) revealed extensive DNA damage when compared to negative control (drinking-water), with the exception of the treatment at 100 mg/kg when considering only blood cells. These data suggested a dose-dependent genotoxicity of H. impetiginosus inflorescence in Wistar rats and, therefore, inferences about its use in alternative medicine requires caution (Lemos et al, 2012). Among the phytochemical compounds identified in H. impetiginosus, lapachol and β-lapachone stand out for their pharmacological activity (Silva et al, 2003;Gómez Castellanos et al, 2009).…”

“…Although numerous studies have supported the effectiveness of different forms of the crude extract of H. impetiginosus or its phytochemical compounds alone, few recent studies aimed to understand their genotoxic and mutagenic effects (Vanni et al, 1998;De Sousa et al, 2009;Lemos et al, 2012;Zabka et al, 2013). To contribute to information about the genotoxic potential of herbal and natural products, the present study evaluated the genotoxic effects (clastogenicity and aneugenicity) of the lyophilized tincture of H. impetiginosus bark in the bone marrow of mice using a micronucleus assay.…”

“…in order to detect the extent of DNA damage in blood and liver cells from male Wistar rats (Lemos et al, 2012). The analysis of liver and blood cells after 24 h of treatment (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of body weight) revealed extensive DNA damage when compared to negative control (drinking-water), with the exception of the treatment at 100 mg/kg when considering only blood cells.…”

Phytotherapy and Nutritional Supplements on Breast Cancer

“…Tabebuia impetiginosa tea emerges as generally safe and has a FDA regulatory classification of “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status. Recently, Lemos et al [ 53 ] demonstrated genotoxic effects in rats at a comparatively high dose range. The most important interaction of this botanical product refers to the interference in the biological cycle of vitamin K [ 46 ].…”

Herbal medicine physical quality evaluation by thermal analysis using adapted Ozawa method

“…Their extracts are employed for the treatment of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders, syphilis, candidiasis, prostatitis, allergies and among others. The major constituents include quinones, furanonaftoquinonas, benzoic acid and flavonoids [1].…”