Genotoxicity Assessment in Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Allium sativum, Zingiber Officinale and Trachyspermum ammi

Abstract

Purpose: Allium sativum, Trachyspermum, and Zingiber officinale are the plants widely used as spices in edible foods. Although some of these are used in Ethnomedicine as well, their excessive use may result in DNA damage and mutation that come out in the form of cancer. This study was aimed at estimating the genotoxic potential of Allium sativum, Trachyspermum , and Zingiber officinale , their Ethanolic and water extracts were prepared in different concentrations. Method: Lymphocytes from whole blood were separated through centrifugation technique and treated with plant extracts. For the identification of DNA strand breakage and genotoxicity the Comet assay and slide analysis were performed. Results: The damage in cell membrane disclosed the cytotoxic effect at the highest concentration used while the Genotoxic effect and the DNA damage were poorly expressed. Conclusion: assay did not reveal a considerable mutagenicity in lymphocytes.