In vitro assessment of genotoxic and oxidative effects potentials of edible bamboo worms and weaver ants

摘要

In thepresent study we have assessed the genotoxic and oxidative effects of watersoluble extracts of Bamboo Worms, Omphisa fuscidentalis (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae), and Weaver Ants, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera:Formicidae), on cultured human blood cells. The extracts were added to thecultures at 12 different concentrations (0-2000 ppm). Micronucleus (MN) testwas used to monitor the DNA and chromosomal damage produced by aqueous extractsin vitro. In addition, to assess theoxidative effects, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status(TOS) levels were also measured. Our results indicated that these extracts didnot show genotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. However, the extractscaused dose dependent alterations in both TAC and TOS levels. Based on thefindings, it was concluded that the studied insects can be consumed safely, butit is necessary to consider the cellular damages which are likely to appeardepending on oxidative stress at higher concentrations. It has been alsosuggested that this in vitro approachfor oxidative and genotoxicity assessments may be useful to evaluate thepotential health risks of edible insects.