The Genotoxic and Antimitotic Properties of Helichrysum plicatum Herbal Teas Widely Consumed in Turkey

Abstract

-Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum (Asteraceae), (common name; everlasting) is a medicinal plant and natural product. For centuries, it has been used as tea in Turkey because of its medicinal properties. There are few reports in literature about genotoxic effects of this plant. The aim of this work is to evaluate the genotoxic and antimitotic effects on human lymphocyte cultures induced by aqueous (decoction) extracts of this plant which were assayed in different concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL). Helichrysum plicatum subsp. plicatum extracts used in alternative medicine induced the formation of micronuclei, decreased the mitotic and replication indexes compared to untreated group (control). Indeed, it causes chromosomal damage (an increase in micronucleus) and delay in the cell division (decrease in mitotic and replication indexes). It should therefore not be used freely in high concentrations in alternative medicine although its antiproliferative activity may suggest as an antimitotic product.

Untitled

“…[11] Recently, investigations on MN frequencies support the widely accepted assumption that MN is a product of early events in human carcinogenic processes. [12] Our results showed that all tested concentrations of A. calamus lowered the mutagenic effects of BLM by decreasing MN frequencies with the strongest activity obtained for highest concentration (40 µg/ml).…”

Evaluation the Effects of Helichrysum plicatum Subsp. pseudoplicatum on an In-Vitro Wound Model Using Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells

“…For one of these, Helichrysum species, their capitulum heads or above-ground parts are known to be used in wound healing among the people. 10,11 H plicatum subsp. pseudoplicatum is the species of H plicatum plant recorded in the Erzurum region.…”

“…It is also mixed with honey against stomach ulcers and herbal ash mixed with cream or butter to treat facial wounds. [10][11][12] In wound healing treatment, antioxidant and antiseptic agents are used, and an increase in the number of fibroblast cells is desired. The release of oxygen radicals kills the invading foreign organisms, and the wound in the fibrin matrix is cleaned.…”