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An in vitro Study on the DNA Damaging Effects of Phytochemicals Partially Isolated from an Extract of Glinus lotoides
Author(s) -
Demma Jemal,
ElSeedi Hesham,
Engidawork Ephrem,
Aboye Teshome Leta,
Göransson Ulf,
Hellman Björn
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.4744
Subject(s) - genotoxicity , comet assay , oleanane , chemistry , dna damage , saponin , in vitro , traditional medicine , dna , chromatography , biology , biochemistry , triterpene , toxicity , medicine , alternative medicine , organic chemistry , pathology
An extract of Glinus lotoides , a medicinal plant used in Africa and Asia for various therapeutic purposes, was recently shown to cause DNA damage in vitro . To further explore the potential genotoxicity of this plant, fractionation of the crude extract was performed using reverse phase solid‐phase extraction and a stepwise gradient elution of methanol in water. Four fractions were collected and subsequently analysed for their DNA damaging effects in mouse lymphoma cells using an alkaline version of the comet assay. To identify potential genotoxic and non‐genotoxic principles, each fraction was then subjected to liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, LC‐MS/MS. 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance analyses were used to confirm the identity of some saponins. Although fractions containing a mixture of flavonoids and oleanane‐type saponins or oleanane‐type saponins alone produced no DNA damage, those containing hopane‐type saponins exhibited a pronounced DNA damaging effect without affecting the viability of the cells. To conclude, even if this study presents evidence that hopane‐type of saponins are endowed with a DNA damaging ability, further studies are needed before individual saponins can be cited as a culprit for the previously reported genotoxicity of the crude extract of G. lotoides . Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.