Aim: Toxicological evaluation is required to understand the safety of avocado (Persea Americana) oil for use as a food supplement. In this study, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of avocado oil in MCF-7 cell line were evaluated.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the MCF-7 was exposed to avocado oil (1, 10, 25 and 100 ppm) for 24, 48 and 72 hrs to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.
Results: IC50 of avocado oil were found to be 68.1, 62.8 and 64.3 ppm for 24, 48 and 72 hrs, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in cell polferation between the control and exposed groups (p<0.05). Micronucleus frequency was significantly increased compared with negative control (p<0.005).
Conclusion: Results of the study, avocado oil had cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in a time and concentration dependent manner. Regular use of avocado oil as a dietary supplement has been shown to have a protective effect.