Cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of Rosmaniric Acid on Allium cepa L. root meristem cells

Identification of organic pollutants and heavy metals in natural rubber wastewater and evaluation its phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxicity

The natural rubber industry consumes large volumes of water and annually releases wastewater with rich organic and inorganic loads. This wastewater is allowed for soil irrigation in developing countries. However, the pollutant composition in wastewater and its environmental effects remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the wastewater's physicochemical parameters, toxic organic pollutants, heavy metals, and phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic. The result revealed that values of comprehensive wastewater parameters were recorded as chemical oxygen demand (187432.1 mg/L), pH (4.23), total nitrogen (1157.1 mg/L), ammonia nitrogen (1113.0 mg/L), total phosphorus (1181.2 mg/L), Zn (593.3 mg/L), Cr (0.6127 mg/L), and Ni (0.2986 mg/L). The organic compounds detected by LC-MS were salbostatin, sirolimus, Gibberellin A34-catabolite, 1-(sn-glycero-3-phospho)-1D-myo-inositol, and methyldiphenylsilane. The toxicity of the identified toxic chemicals and heavy metals was confirmed by onion and mung bean phytotoxicity characterization tests. The wastewater affected the germination of mung bean seeds, reduced or inhibited the growth of onions, and induced various chromosomal aberrations in root apical meristems. Our study shows that the treatment of natural rubber wastewater needs to be improved, and the feasibility of irrigating soil with wastewater needs to be reconsidered.

Cytogenotoxic effects of 3-epicaryoptin in Allium cepa L. root apical meristem cells

Diterpenoid 3-epicaryoptin (C₂₆H₃₆O₉) is abundant in the leaves of Clerodendrum inerme, a traditionally used medicinal plant, and has insect antifeedant activities. Here, we aim to explore the cytogenotoxic effects of compound 3-epicaryoptin in Allium cepa root apical meristem cells. 3-epicaryoptin (concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 µg mL^-1) and the standard compound colchicine (200 µg mL^-1) were applied to A. cepa roots for 2, 4, and 4 + 16 h (4-h treatment followed by 16-h recovery). Cytogenotoxicity was analyzed by studying the root growth retardation (RGR), mitotic index (MI), and chromosomal aberrations. The result showed statistically significant (p < 0.01), concentration-dependent RGR effects of 3-epicaryoptin treatment compared with the negative control. A study of cell frequency in different phases of cell division observed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the metaphase cell percentage (66.2 ± 0.58%, 150 µg mL^-1), which subsequently caused an increase in the frequency of MI (12.29 ± 0.34%, 150 µg mL^-1) at 4 h of 3-epicaryoptin treatment and that was comparable with the colchicine action. The cytological study revealed that the 3-epicaryoptin treatment could induce different types of chromosomal abnormalities, such as colchicine-like metaphase, vagrant chromosomes, sticky chromosomes, anaphase bridge, lagging chromosomes, multipolar anaphase-telophase, and an increased frequency of micronuclei and polyploid cells. These findings indicate that 3-epicaryoptin is cytogenotoxic, and thus, C. inerme should be used with caution in traditional medicine.

Mixture of Toxic Metals and Volatile Organic Compounds in a River Induces Cytotoxicity

Pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to toxic mixtures is a worldwide problem associated with the increase of wastewater discharges that causes problems to human health and biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of water from the Atoyac River. Meristems of Allium cepa L. were exposed to water samples from the Atoyac River with different concentrations for 120 hours. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the relationship between contaminants and cytotoxicity. The results corroborated the cytotoxic effect of the mixture of agents such as toxic metals and volatile organic compounds found in all river sampling sites. The Allium cepa test showed decreased mitotic alterations in prophase and metaphase indices. There was a strong negative association between the concentration of toxic metals and volatile organic compounds and the cytotoxic effect. The observations of cytotoxic effects show that the contaminant mixture contains aneugenic agents which prevent the synthesis and fixation of fibers of the mitotic spindle to the kinetochore, which prevents the displacement of the chromosomes. This study shows the need to study the effects at the cellular and molecular level in heavily polluted rivers to prevent negative effects on exposed ecosystems and populations.

Phytochemical and antioxidant characterization, cytogenotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of the fractions of the ethanolic extract of in Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz

has been widely used in folk medicine to treat catarrhal infections, diarrhea, and anemia; however, phytochemical and toxicogenetic data are still lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics as well as assess cytogenotoxicity and antigenotoxicity in hexane (HF), ether (EF) and ethyl acetate (AF) fractions of P. bracteosa leaves using Allium cepa bioassay. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins and phenolic groups. EF fraction contained a higher content of total phenolics (441.23 ± 1.82 mg GAE/g), while HF fraction showed a higher content of total flavonoids (84.77 ± 5.33 mg QE/g). Higher antioxidant activity was observed in EF (EC₅₀ 25.06 ± 0.07 µg/ml). Cytotoxic effect was verified for all fractions, but no chromosomal alterations were observed in the A. cepa assay. With respect to antigenotoxicity, the protective effect of EF and AF fractions was attributed to as evidenced by the modulation of mutagenic action of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), mainly by inhibiting the development of micronuclei. Among the fractions, EF was considered the most promising, as it exhibited higher antioxidant activity, was not genotoxic, exerted protective activity against the damage induced by MMS and also presented cytotoxic activity, a desired quality in the search for natural anticarcinogenic compounds.

An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects

Introduction

To explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies.

Materials and methods

During 2008–2009 and 2012–2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA₂ (PLA₂) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA₂ inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay.

Results

A total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA₂ activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA₂. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.

Conclusions

Three western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA₂ activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies.

Novel Insight into Utilization of Flavonoid Glycosides and Biological Properties of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Flower Byproducts

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) byproducts are considered as a cheap source of bioactive polyphenolics endowed with potential antioxidant effects. The saffron biowaste is utilized for extraction of flavonoid glycosides and their potential biological properties. The total amount of polyphenolics and polysaccharides was found to be higher in the tepal than in the stamen. The bioactive compounds quercetin-3-O-sophoroside (Q-3-sop) and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (K-3-sop) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antioxidant effects were studied using 2,2 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC); Q-3-sop showed stronger antioxidant effects compared to K-3-sop, crocin-I, and crocin-II. Furthermore, Q-3-sop also inhibited cell apoptosis caused by H₂O₂ by reducing the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In terms of cytogenetic effects, Q-3-sop revealed no cytogenic effects on onion root meristem cells but chromosomal aberration was observed at the highest dose (200 ppm). Thus, saffron byproducts and its flavonoids could be utilized as natural antioxidant agents with no cytogenetic effects.

Assessment of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of pillar[5]arene derivatives by Allium cepa roots and Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes

In this study pillar[5]arene (P5) and a quinoline-functionalized pillar[5]arene (P5-6Q) which is used for detecting radioactive element, gas adsorption and toxic ions were synthesized. These materials were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis, melting point, Mass Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Zeta Potential. The cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of P5 and P5-6Q at distinct concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL were also investigated by Allium ana-telophase and comet assays on Allium cepa roots and Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes. P5 and P5-6Q showed dose dependent cytotoxic effect by decreasing mitotic index (MI) and genotoxic effect by increasing chromosomal aberrations (CAs such as disturbed anaphase-telophase, polyploidy, stickiness, chromosome laggards and bridges) and DNA damage at the exposed concentrations. These changes in P5-6Q were lower than P5. Further research is necessary to clarify the cytotoxic and genotoxic action mechanisms of P5 and P5-6Q at molecular levels.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel abietane diterpenoids with activity against Staphylococcus aureus

Aim: To find alternative compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), novel derivatives from dehydroabietic acid were synthesized. Methods & results: Compound 12 was the most effective against 15 MRSA and 11 MSSA with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 3.9 to 15.6 μg/ml. Although less active than 12, compound 11, followed by 25 and 13, also exhibited anti-staphylococcal activity. Additional studies showed that compound 12 is devoid of toxic effect on non-target cells. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that an oxime at C-13 together with a hydroxyl at C-12 could play a key role in the activity. Conclusion: These structures, in particular compound 12, could arise as templates for the development of agents against MRSA and MSSA.