Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata St. Hil. & Naudin / Efeitos citotóxicos e genotóxicos do extrato etanólico da casca do fruto de Sterculia striata St. Hil. & Naudin

The species Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin has been used by the population in food and in the treatment of skin conditions, mainly for the treatment of boils. Recently, for this species has also been attributed an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. However, little is known about its cytogenotoxic potential. The present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed to determine the presence of secondary metabolites. Concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 µg/ml of the ethanolic extract from the rind of the fruit Sterculia striata were tested for toxicity and cytotoxicity, by the Artemia salina bioassay and the MTT test, respectively. For the genotoxicity analysis, the Allium cepa test was used, at concentrations from 9 to 1000 µg/ml of the extract. All data were analyzed and compared to controls. The statistical test of analysis of variance (ANOVA with a fixed factor) was used, followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test, for p0.05. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonones, flavonols, saponins, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes. The results showed a decline in the survival rate at high concentrations, in the Artemia salina and MTT tests, the latter being more sensitive for presenting a significant reduction from the concentration of 81 µg/mL. As for the results obtained for the genotoxicity parameter, an increase in the number of chromosomal alterations in root cells exposed to concentrations was observed, also from 81 µg/ml, through the Allium cepa test. The main chromosomal alterations verified were delays, bridges and breaks, in metaphase and anaphase. Taken together, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of the rind of the fruit of Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. Naudin exhibits cytotoxic and genotoxic effects mainly at higher concentrations.

Applicability of Euphorbia milii var splendens latex in the control of Biomphalaria tenagophila

The present work aimed to evaluate in vitro the molluscicidal activity and latex toxicity of Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook) Ursch & Leandri for the control of mollusks of the species Biomphalaria tenagophila. Specimens of E. milii var. splendens cultivated in the rural region of Pindamonhangaba were selected, from which latex was obtained by the transverse incision of the aerial parts. For the molluscicide test, adult mollusks of the species B. tenagophila were separated into groups of 10 and submitted to latex immersion at concentrations of 2.5 ppm, 1.25 ppm, 0.625 ppm, and 0.3125 ppm for 24 hours. In parallel, the toxicity of latex at a concentration of 0.3125 ppm was determined by testing with Artemia salina (mortality assessment) and using the Allium cepa test (determination of growth inhibition, amount, and weight of roots). It was observed an important molluscicidal activity of E. milii var. splendens latex at the various concentrations evaluated. In addition, it was also possible to observe moderate toxicity against A. salina nauplii and in the toxicity test with A. cepa. This demonstrates the potential of using latex from E. milii var. splendens to control populations of B. tenagophila species, not only for the observed molluscicidal activity but also for the moderate mortality of A. salina nauplii, whereas in the A. cepa test no change was observed in the parameters evaluated in relation to the control group, demonstrating safety for use in the environment.

Environmental assessment of luiz Rau Stream (Brazil) utilizing allium cepa test

The aim of this study was to monitor the water quality of Luiz Rau stream, through physicochemical parameters, environmental characteristics of the site, and genotoxicity test in Allium cepa. Four water samples from Luiz Rau stream were collected once a week for one month and some physicochemical parameters were verified. The environmental characteristics were performed by the Quick Assessment Protocol (QAP) and evaluated at the sampling site. For the genotoxicity assay, the Allium cepa test was utilized. In relation to the water physicochemical parameters, low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) and high levels of ammonia, and phosphorus were obtained, which demonstrates the poor quality of the stream. The QAP results identified the stream as impacted. The mitotic index parameter was altered in the seed exposed to raw water samples in the third and fourth sample collection, demonstrating cell cycle reduction and proliferation respectively; witch can be associated with the presence of contaminated effluents in the water. In relation to the genotoxicity, the micronuclei were increased in seeds exposed to four raw samples in comparison to the control group. Therefore, the results obtained can characterize the Luiz Rau stream as impacted, mostly by anthropic actions, corroborating with other publications.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of waters of the Paraíba do Sul River Basin - RJ through the Allium cepa test system

The public water supply of the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region is highly dependent on transposition from the Paraíba do Sul River: 70% of the water is diverted to the Piraí River and then passes through a series of other rivers and reservoirs, finally discharging in the Guandu River. During this path, the water is exposed to many sources of pollution. This makes the quality of the raw water that reaches the Guandu Treatment Station (WTS) highly vulnerable. This article reports the analysis of the cytogenotoxic potential of water samples collected at four different points along the Piraí River downstream from the transposition point, utilizing the Allium cepa test system. The samples were collected in two periods, the dry and wet seasons. The water at all four collection points presented some level of cytogenotoxicity, with the presence in the test cells of large nucleoli, multiple nucleoli, nuclear buds, lagging chromosomes, sticky chromosomes, karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic shrinkage and changes of the mitotic index. The samples collected during the dry season had a larger number of cells with alterations, indicating that the cytogenotoxic potential varies in function of the time of year, depending on the volume of contaminated effluents. The results obtained along with data from the Rio de Janeiro State Environmental Institute (INEA) for the same period reveal the importance of monitoring along with proper sanitation and sewage treatment, and that the presence of pollutants not only hampers water treatment, but also poses risks to organisms at different trophic levels, including humans.