Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extract in cultured lymphocytes.

摘要

AIM OF THE STUDY: The genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus roots were evaluated in cultured human lymphocytes using cisplatin as the positive mutagen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytogenetic damage and cytotoxicity were determined in cells exposed to different doses of the extract, ranging from 2 to 32 microg/ml of culture medium, either alone or together with cisplatin. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in cisplatin-induced frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges, chromosome aberrations and micronucleated binucleate cells at the lower concentrations of 4 and 8 microg/ml (P<0.05). However, the extract by itself reduced the proliferative rate index, mitotic index and cytokinesis-block proliferative index (P<0.05). Further, a significant increase in the percentage of chromosome aberrations was noticed at the higher concentrations. CONCLUSION: Hemidesmus indicus root extract possesses significant genoprotective effect at the lower concentrations although it is cytotoxic and probably genotoxic at higher doses.