Cytogenetic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Plumbago europaea on Balb/C Mouse Bone Marrow Cells

Background & Aim: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that majority of the inhabitants of the world rely chiefly on folk medicine. It, therefore, approved the use of herbal products for national policies and drug regulatory measures in order to strengthen research and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of herbal products. We have evaluated the cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of P. europaea, a common species in the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Experimental: Male Balb/C mice were intraperitoneally (i. v.) injected with varying doses of the extract dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The i.v. LD50 of the extract was determined to be 58.33mg/kg body weight. Bone marrow cells were processed and screened for chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation. Mitomycin C (MMC, 2mg/kg b. w.) and DMSO (0.5%) served as positive and negative control, respectively. Antimutagenecity was followed by administration of 2mg MMC/kg in the beginning of the first or the last 24h of applying 14.6mg/kg of the extract daily for 7 consecutive days. Results: The selected doses of the extract elevated mitotic index and increased percentage of aberrant cells compared to the negative control. However, at a dose of 14.6mg/kg, the extract was enough to reduce significantly the toxic effects induced by MMC. This indicated that the P.europaea extract by itself is mutagenic, but antimutatgenic probably at small doses and can modulate the mutagenicity of MMC. Recommended applications/ industries: These data may help in understanding of therapeutic properties of P. europaea claimed by folk medicine. However, caution regarding indiscriminate use of this plant by the public is necessary. Multiple experiences are needed to rule out any possible side effects and to prove health safety of this natural product before introducing it into the market for therapeutic purposes.