Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata St. Hil. & Naudin / Efeitos citotóxicos e genotóxicos do extrato etanólico da casca do fruto de Sterculia striata St. Hil. & Naudin

Abstract

The species Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin has been used by the population in food and in the treatment of skin conditions, mainly for the treatment of boils. Recently, for this species has also been attributed an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. However, little is known about its cytogenotoxic potential. The present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed to determine the presence of secondary metabolites. Concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 µg/ml of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit Sterculia striata were tested for toxicity and cytotoxicity, by the Artemia salina bioassay and the MTT test, respectively. For the genotoxicity analysis, the Allium cepa test was used, at concentrations from 9 to 1000 µg/ml of the extract. All data were analyzed and compared to controls. The statistical test of analysis of variance (ANOVA with a fixed factor) was used, followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test, for p0.05. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonones, flavonols, saponins, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes. The results showed a decline in the survival rate at high concentrations, in the Artemia salina and MTT tests, the latter being more sensitive for presenting a significant reduction from the concentration of 81 µg/mL. As for the results obtained for the genotoxicity parameter, an increase in the number of chromosomal alterations in root cells exposed to concentrations was observed, also from 81 µg/ml, through the Allium cepa test. The main chromosomal alterations verified were delays, bridges and breaks, in metaphase and anaphase. Taken together, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin exhibits cytotoxic and genotoxic effects mainly at higher concentrations.