Protective effects of 4-nerolidylcatechol against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

In the present work we evaluated both the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the Pothomorphe umbellata root extract (PUE) and its isolated active principle, the 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC), in bone marrow cells of mice using the micronucleus test. Swiss male mice were orally treated for 4 days with PUE (200, 100 or 50mg/kg/day) or 4-NC (50, 25 or 12.5mg/kg/day) prior to exposition with a single dose (200mg/kg) of cyclophosphamide (CP), 24h after the end of the treatment. The results demonstrated that the PUE and 4-NC did not have any mutagenic effect on mouse bone marrow cells; quite the opposite, there was a protective effect against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Taken together, under the conditions tested herein, mice treated with PUE and 4-NC showed, in a dose-dependent manner, protective effect against CP-induced genotoxicity. Due to their ability to prevent chromosomal damage, with apparent low toxicity and cost, PUE or pure 4-NC are likely to open a field of interest concerning their possible use in clinical applications.

Analysis of the toxic potential of Palicourea corymbifera (Müll. Arg.) Standl. in laboratory animals.

Palicourea species may produce bovine toxicity. Palicourea corymbifera grows in terra firme forests within the Amazon rain forest and in Tropical America, particularly in spots that gave place to gazing areas. The lyophilized extract done with the aerial organs of P. corymbifera were analyzed in male and female mice. Results revealed a significant toxicity: LD50 was 1.10 (1.04-1.15)g/kg for male mice, and 1.05 (1.00-1.10)g/kg for female mice. Locomotion was affected as well as there were reflexes linked to environmental stimuli in addition to changes in posture. Progressive central nervous system stimulus signs such as trembling and convulsions were detected, the latter followed by the animal's death. Macroscopic histopathological exams performed on the liver, kidneys and lungs of mice submitted to necropsy did not indicate the existence of lesions. General activity of animals, measured in an open field, was reduced as a result of the administration of the extract. Duration of locomotion and rearing frequency were reduced, in opposition to an increase in the duration of immobility. Thin layer chromatography analysis showed that monofluoroacetic acid is present in the lyophilized extract, but other qualitative techniques as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the MFAA was not present in the extract, and that the toxicity is related to other compound, although the toxic profile is very similar to that of MFAA. P. corymbifera was shown to be significantly toxic to laboratory animals and investigation of the possible toxic substance shall be done.