Assessment of the genotoxic activity of alpha-asarone and its derivatives in the comet assay

Acta Pol Pharm. 2013 Mar-Apr;70(2):349-54.

Abstract

In our previous paper we examined mutagenic and genotoxic activity of 4 alpha-asarone isomers 2-5 exhibiting relatively high hypolipidemic activity. In the present paper, we examined genotoxic activity of alpha-asarone and its isomers as the ability to damage cellular DNA, evaluated in the comet assay. Additionally, mutagenic activity of alpha-asarone in Ames test has been examined. The Ames test for alpha-asarone was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the PN-EN ISO 10993-3 standard. Compounds 4 and 5 were found to be devoid of any genotoxic activity while maintaining their hypolipemic potential. Because mutagenic activity of compound 4 was also minor it could be considered as a candidate for further pharmacological evaluation. Genotoxic but not mutagenic activity of alpha-asarone has been confirmed.

MeSH terms

  • Allylbenzene Derivatives
  • Animals
  • Anisoles / chemistry
  • Anisoles / toxicity*
  • Comet Assay*
  • DNA Damage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / chemistry
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / toxicity*
  • Isomerism
  • Mice
  • Mutagens / chemistry
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Salmonella typhimurium / drug effects
  • Salmonella typhimurium / genetics

Substances

  • Allylbenzene Derivatives
  • Anisoles
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Mutagens
  • asarone