In vitro study of genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of methanol extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra methanol extracts concerning their chemical composition, separately and in co-treatment with a known mutagen (mitomycin C, MMC). For these evaluations, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay as the method for measuring MN frequency in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and MTT assay as the proliferation test in SW-480 human colon cancer cells and human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) as normal control, were performed. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined using the spectrophotometric method, and identification and quantification of polyphenols were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay showed that both extracts significantly increased micronucleus (MN) frequency in the PBLs treated with all tested concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 250 μg/mL), except the lowest concentration (10 μg/mL) of A. vulgaris. All the concentrations of A. alba significantly influence the nuclear division index (NDI). In treatment against MMC, the extracts dose-dependently reduced MN frequencies and NDI values in comparison with the positive control. A. alba extract exhibits significant cytotoxic activity in SW-480 cells, while A. vulgaris induces cytotoxic activity only in co-treatment with MMC after long-term exposure. Both extracts did not significantly affect the viability of the PDLSCs. The phytochemical analysis showed that the extracts contained large amounts of total phenols and flavonoids. The most abundant polyphenolic compounds were chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside, while 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid present in higher amount and detected only in A. alba extract. High concentrations of certain polyphenolic compounds detected in A. vulgaris and A. alba extracts can be a significant factor for obtaining genotoxic, cytotoxic and protective activities.