Phytochemical composition and genotoxic potential of Sambucus ebulus L. (Adoxaceae): Insights from Allium cepa bioassay and antioxidant profiling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36253/caryologia-3709Keywords:
Sambucus ebulus, Allium cepa assay, cytogenotoxicity, mitotic index, phenolic compounds, micronucleus testAbstract
Sambucus ebulus has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties; however, the cytogenetic safety of its aqueous extract remains insufficiently studied. This research aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of S. ebulus fruit extract on Allium cepa root meristem cells. A comprehensive phytochemical characterization was conducted, including total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), and HPLC and GC-MS analyses. Treatment groups were exposed to extract concentrations of 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50% for 48 hours. Cytogenetic parameters such as mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CA), and micronucleus (MN) formation were evaluated. Tap water served as the negative control, while a 680 mg/L zinc oxide (ZnO) solution was used as the positive control. HPLC analysis identified epicatechin, catechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rutin as the major phenolic constituents of the extract. GC-MS results revealed a volatile profile dominated by isovaleric acid ethyl ester, methyl isovalerate, and trans-β-ocimene. Antioxidant assays showed a total flavonoid content of 1.008 ± 0.02 mg QE/g, a FRAP value of 7.045 ± 0.08 mg TE/g, and a DPPH scavenging activity of 0.008 ± 0.30 mg/mL. The results indicated that low concentrations (1–10%) did not significantly suppress mitotic activity, whereas higher concentrations (20% and 50%) led to a marked decrease in MI, along with increased CA and MN frequencies. The extract exhibited dose-dependent effects on cell division. The observed biological responses may be partly attributed to its phenolic and volatile constituents. Overall, the findings highlight the dual nature of S. ebulus extract – potentially beneficial at low doses but harmful at higher concentrations – underscoring the importance of a scientifically grounded approach to its traditional use.
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