Effect of masticadienonic acid on the induction of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes in mouse peripheral blood

The bark of Amphipterygium adstringens Schiede ex Schltdl. is widely used in the traditional Mexican medicine for treating ailments such as gastric ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer. The masticadienonic acid was isolated from the bark of this species. In previous papers have been informed that this compound possess anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities [1, 2]. Now we describe cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of this compound. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of masticadienonic acid on CD1 male mice were determined with micronucleus assay at 24, 48 and 72h after oral administration of doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg. Peripheral blood samples were drawn from the caudal vein and analyzed by Giemsa-stained technique. The results showed that the ratios of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) in mice treated with 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg were not statistically different compared with their negative control animals at 0, 24 and 72h. PCE/NCE ratios were increased at 48h at all doses. The masticadienonic acid showed cytotoxic activity at 48h after administered at all doses. The test compound do not increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes; this compound may not lead to chromosome damage at the evaluated doses.

References: 1. Oviedo-Chavez, I. et al. (2004), Phytomed. 11: 436–445. 2. Giner-Larza, E.M. et al. (2002), Planta Med. 68: 311–315.