Genotoxicity study in vivo and in vitro after exposure acute and subchronic of aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. obtained by infusion

Abstract

Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) is popularly used for its numerous therapeutic activities, including stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), diuretic, antireumaticos and mild analgesic properties. However, today we live with the limited knowledge about toxicity and side effects, especially on genetic material. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the possible genotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo after acute and subchronic exposure of aqueous extracts obtained by infusion of Ilex paraguariensis. To test the comet extracts were tested in vitro at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10% in peripheral blood cells. The results showed dose-dependent genotoxicity. Since the comet assay in vivo, the results indicate that the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis in 10% concentration induced damage in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the cells of the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys of animals exposed to the extract for 14 days consecutive, in the control group. In brain and kidney, addition of vitamin C to the aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis did not protect cells from damage, showing a pro-oxidant effect. Therefore, it is suggested that genotoxicity studies are important to evaluate the risk-benefit from the use of herbal indiscriminately by the population, especially with regard to the dosages used, since it can be lethal for the cells and the organism as a whole.