Cytogenetic analysis of genotoxicity of Cynoglossum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) extract from Bosnia and Herzegovina (W. Balkan)

The Cynoglossum officinale L. have always been used in traditional medicine in Western Balkans [1]. The young shoots in some regions are used in nutrition [2]. A large number of medicinal plants of the family Boraginaceae contains pyrolizidine alkaloids and show genotoxic effects [3]. To expect a similar action of Cynoglossum officinale. For the analysis were taken samples of Cynoglossum officinale from different localities. The extracts were made of fresh aerial parts at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. The genotoxicity was done by Allium-test. For each concentration were taken in 10 specimens. The effect of treatment, the extract was observed after 24 and 48 hours. After that, taken root and a fixed. It was examined in 10 preparations for each concentration and five for control. then determined the mitotic index, the frequency of certain phases of mitosis, the frequency of chromosome aberrations and disturbances in the meiotic spindle. The analysis examined 10×1000 cells.

It was found that extract of Cynoglossum affect on mitotic activity and on other investigated parameters. Index mitosis after 48 hours is 3.5 (conc. 0.5%) and 2.7 (conc. 1%); control (4.8). The most cells were in prophase, at least in anaphase. The both of concentration of the extract cause of chromosome aberrations. There have been C-mitosis, anaphase abnormalities, irregular metaphase and a few cells with two nucleus.

More intensive effects express of 1% concentration. On the basis of research can be talking about cytostatic and genotoxic activity of the extracts of Cynoglossum officinale.

Keywords: genotoxicology, cytogenetics, alkaloids, Allium test, medicinal plant, human therapy, Cynoglossum officinale

References: 1. Redzic SS (2007) Coll Antropol 31: 869–890. 2. Redzic SJ (2006) Ecol Food & Nutr 45(3):189–232. 3. Redzic A et al. (2009) Planta Med 75: 987–987.