Evaluation of mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of cashew stem bark methanolic extract in vitro

Plants remain to be a great source of medicines for humanity. Among them is the Anacardium occidentale L. species, popularly known as the cashew, which has several therapeutic indications, such as cicatrizing, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and antitumoral properties. The objective of the present work was to assess the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of cashew stem bark methanolic extract (CSBME) on cell cultures of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79). The cultures were treated with different concentrations of the CSBME (500, 1000 and 2000 microg/mL) or with the extract associated with doxorubicin (DXR, 0.75 microg/mL) during the cell cycle phases G1, S, and G2 and throughout continuous treatment. Apart from these treatments, the cell cultures were also treated with PBS (negative-control) and DXR (positive-control). The data obtained in the chromosome aberrations (CA) test showed a significant reduction in CA frequency in the cultures treated with DXR and extract in comparison with those that received only DXR during the cell cycle phases G1 and S and throughout the entire cycle, as well as the absence of mutagenicity in all the treatments realized. The antimutagenic effect observed in this work reinforces the presence of the previously described therapeutic properties of cashew and indicates the safe use of this extract.     

Toxicological evaluation of ethyl acetate extract of Cylicodiscus gabunensis stem bark (Mimosaceae)

The toxicity profile of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of the stem bark of Cylicodiscus gabunensis (CG) was studied in Wistar rats. The rats were administered graded doses (0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 g/kg p.o.) of the extract daily for 6 weeks and the effects on clinical signs, body weight, food and water consumption, organ weight, haematology, histology as well as serum, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters were measured. Body weight of dosed and control rats increase throughout the duration of treatment but food and water consumption were not significantly affected. The relative weights of the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys remained normal whereas a significant change was observed in that of the spleen. The hematocrit level was increased in treated animal. Our data demonstrates a significant increase in serum concentrations of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino-transferase, total cholesterol and glucose with high-dose of CG treatment tested (3-6 g/kg). CG also caused a significant reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde concentration. Renal urea and creatinine levels were reduced significantly in test groups. Histological findings reveal a characteristic progression treatment-related effect on liver, kidneys and lungs. The acute toxicity LD50 was estimated at 14.5 and 11 g/kg body weight (b.w.) for male and female respectively, but dose-related mortality of 30 and 50% were observed during the sub-acute toxicity. These findings have once more highlighted the limitations of the acute toxicity LD50 testing and suggest that CG may exert varied toxicological effects when administered orally in rats.     

An in vitro study of the effects of Phellodendron bark extract and berberine chloride on periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the oral microbiome

ObjectivesPeriodontal disease is triggered by oral microbiome dysbiosis. Thus, to prevent its onset, it is important to maintain relative abundance of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the oral microbiome at a low level. While Phellodendron bark extract (PBE) and its active ingredient, berberine, exert antibacterial effects on periodontal pathogenic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, their effects on the oral microbiome as a whole remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the potential of PBE and berberine chloride (BC) in regulating the relative abundance of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the oral microbiome.MethodsSaliva was collected from 20 participants. Each participant's saliva was combined separately with P. gingivalis suspension and either PBE or BC in a modified basal medium. The samples were then incubated under anaerobic conditions for 24 h. After cultivation, we determined the total bacterial concentration using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and the bacterial composition using 16 S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.ResultsThe total bacterial concentration was reduced because of treatment with PBE and BC. Bacterial 16 S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing confirmed that treatment with PBE and BC significantly reduced the relative abundance of periodontal pathogenic bacteria, including red and orange complex bacteria.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that PBE and BC reduce the relative abundance of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the oral microbiome. Thus, PBE and BC can aid in preventing periodontal disease, given their ability to regulate the oral microbiome composition and their anti-inflammatory effects.