Planta Med 2009; 75 - PG31
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234685

In Vitro genotoxic activities of the aqueous extract from Thai Noni's Leaves (ANL) in human lymphocytes

T Ratanavalachai 1, S Thitiorul 2, P Nandhasri 3, S Tanuchit 4, C Jansom 4
  • 1Division of Biochemistry, Preclinical Science Department
  • 2Division of Anatomy, Preclinical Science Department
  • 3Division of Applied Thai Traditional medicine
  • 4Reseach center, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, A. Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12121. Thailand

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.; Rubiaceae) is an evergreen tree that their roots, fruits and leaves have been traditionally used to treat various diseases such as cancer, malaria and arthritis [1]. Our earlier study reported that Thai Noni fruit juice is not genotoxic against human lymphocytes in spite of showing cytotoxicity at high doses (≥100mg/ml) [2]. Aims of this study were to investigate the genotoxic activities of the aqueous extract from Thai Noni's leaf (ANL) in human lymphocytes. Chromosome aberration assay and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay in vitro were performed. Treatment of ANL (0.8–25mg/ml) alone for 3h did not significantly induce chromosomal aberration nor SCE (p<0.05). Nevertheless, they could temporary arrest cell cycle as shown by lowering mitotic index measured after the first cell cycle. While proliferation index measured after the second cell cycle were getting higher value as compared to the positive control. Cytotoxicity was shown at higher doses (≥50mg/ml). Therefore, concentration usage of ANL as food supplement is needed to be considered carefully for human safety. Nevertheless, ANL might be useful for treatment of human hyperproliferative disorder at appropriate dose. Since they interfere with cell cycle without possess genotoxic activities. Further scientific study is needed to verify the usefulness of the aqueous extract of Noni's leaf.

Acknowledgements: This study was supported by Research Fund, Faculty of Medecine, Thammasat University, Thailand.

References: [1] McClatchey, W. (2002) Integr. Cancer Ther. 1:110–120.

[2] Ratanavalachai, T. et al. (2008) Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. 30:583–589.