Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and toxicological evaluation of whole plant extracts of the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri (Phyllanthaceae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Phyllanthus niruri is a medicinal plant (commonly known as stone breaker) found in the tropics and other parts of the world. It is known for its capacity to block the formation of calcium oxalate crystals and kidney stone formation in urolithiasis. This plant has been used to treat hyperglycemia, hypertension, pain, and mild cases of malaria. We examined the geno-, cyto-and overall toxicity of P. niruri whole plant ethanolic extract. The extract was administered as a single dose of 30 or 300 mg/kg to laboratory rats by gavage, accompanied by negative (0.9% saline) and positive (10 mg/mL N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea) controls that were injected intramuscularly 48 h after extract administration. The ratio of polychromatic (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) from femur bone marrow was scored for genotoxicity. Cytotoxicity was determined using descending concentrations (0.2-0.0125 g/mL) of the extract incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Phyllanthus niruri geno-and cytotoxicity Lactate dehydrogenase release from damaged cells was determined and the CC 50 calculated. Subchronic administration of the extract at 30 or 300 mg/kg was done for 90 days to determine general toxicity. PCE:NCE (%) for the extract and negative control was 63, compared to 168 (positive control). The CC 50 was 26.3 mg/mL and hepato-renal toxicity after subchronic extract administration was nil. We conclude that ethanol extract of P. niruri is not cytotoxic or genotoxic, and is generally non-toxic on subchronic administration.

Evaluation of (anti)genotoxic activities of Phyllanthus niruri L. in rat bone marrow using the micronucleus test

“…It also increased glutathione (GSH) and cellular glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reducing the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide metabolites in the cells. Asare et al (2012) observed that an ethanolic extract obtained from P. niruri was not able to promote micronucleus at PCE bone marrow cells of adult rats treated with a single dose of 30 or 300 mg/kg. In this study, N-ethyl-n-nitrosourea, was employed as positive control.…”

“…), obtaining a DL50 of 516.2 mg/kg. Asare et al (2012) observed, in a study developed with adult Sprague Dawley rats, that an ethanolic extract obtained from P. niruri was not acutely toxic at 3,000 mg/kg. Studies in mice revealed low toxicity in the aqueous extract of P. niruri, intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day, showing no body weight loss after three days of treatment and a slight weight gain after seven days of treatment (Venkateswaran, Millman, Blumberg, 1987).…”

“…Several other tests, such as the serum and/or plasma investigation of biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological, genotoxic, mutagenic and behavioral studies, are important for a more consistent determination of chemical compound toxicity. A study recently developed (Asare et al, 2012) observed that an ethanolic extract obtained from P. niruri whole plant was not toxic to adult rats treated during 90 days with 30 and 300 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical or histopathological alterations were not observed in rats treated with the higher dose.…”

Percepções Dos Idosos Sobre Plantas Tóxicas

“…A arruda (Ruta graveolens L.) é usada com frequência como planta medicinal, suas principais propriedades se dão pela substância rutina, ela é usada para aumentar a resistência dos vasos sanguíneos, evitando rupturas e, por isso é indicada no tratamento contra varizes (BLANCO, 2010). O chá de suas folhas pode ser usado contra asma, pneumonia, dor de cabeça, analgésico, antiespasmódico, tranquilizantes e problemas uterinos.…”

“…P. niruri é utilizada no Brasil e em outras partes do mundo, a sua utilização bloqueia a formação de cristais de oxalato de cálcio e a formação de pedra na urolitíase (ASARE et al, 2012). Já a tanchagem, é usada em gargarejos contra inflamações de garganta, anginas e gengivas sangrentas.…”