Cytotoxic, Genotoxic and Oxidative Effects of Cladonia furcata (Huds.) Schrad. on Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

In the present study, it was aimed the evaluation of activities of methanol and water extracts (respectively, CME and CSE) obtained from Cladonia furcata (Huds.) Schrad. on human lymphocytes. In order to test cytotoxic effect in lymphocytes, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase tests were used. Oxidative stress and genotoxicity changes in the cells were also examined with total oxidant status and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels, respectively. In addition to these assays, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) changes in lymphocytes treated with extracts were also determined. It was revealed that low concentrations of CSE did not show cytotoxic effect at high levels (IC50=221,14 mg/L). Performed correlation analyzes showed that cytotoxicity was associated with oxidative stress (p < 0,01). Considering all applications, it was determined that CSE did not statistically (p > 0,05) cause genetic damage on cells compared to negative control. Based on TAC in cells, it is notable that certain concentrations of the extracts (12,5-50 mg/L) significantly increased TAC (p < 0,05). Consequently, the resulting data reveal that especially CSE can be a source of new therapeutic agents due to its high antioxidant properties, without causing genotoxic and oxidative stress on lymphocytes.