Cytotoxic effect of Myrtus communis, Aristolochia longa, and Calycotome spinosa on human erythrocyte cells

Abstract

Introduction. Myrtus communis, Aristolochia longa, and Calycotome spinosa are medicinal plants frequently used in Algeria. Some plants can cause a fragility of the erythrocyte membrane and lead to hemolysis. Therefore, we aimed to study the cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts from the aerial part of these species against red blood cells. 
 Study objects and methods. The hemolytic effect was determined spectrophotometrically by incubating an erythrocyte solution with different concentrations of the aqueous extracts (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL) at 37°C during one hour. In addition, we performed phytochemical screening and measured the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids. 
 Results and discussion. After one hour of incubation of human red blood cells with the aqueous extracts at different concentrations, the hemolysis percentage showed a significant leak of hemoglobin with A. longa (68.75 ± 6.11%; 200 mg/mL), the most toxic extract followed by C. spinosa (34.86 ± 5.06%; 200 mg/mL). In contrast, M. communis showed very low cytotoxicity (20.13 ± 3.11%; 200 mg/mL). 
 Conclusion. These plants are sources of a wide range of bioactive compounds but their use in traditional medicine must be adapted to avoid any toxic effect.

Myrtus communis leaf compounds as novel inhibitors of quorum sensing-regulated virulence factors and biofilm formation: In vitro and in silico investigations

“…A recent reported study also confirmed the absence of haemolysis caused by M. communis extract at concentrations higher than those with effective antibacterial effects. The aqueous extract exhibited a significantly low haemoglobin leakage rate compared to other tested plants, with only 20.14 ± 3.11 % of total haemolysis recorded at 200 mg/mL [ 65 ]. Additionally, it was noted that M. communis essential oil induced remarkable cytotoxic activity by apoptosis without affecting normal cell lines, suggesting a possible application of the bioactive compounds in M. communis as a natural anticancer drug [ 17 ].…”

Biological Activities of Organic Extracts of the Genus Aristolochia: A Review from 2005 to 2021

“…The AE did not show high percentages of hemolysis (68.75 ± 6.11%; 200 mg/mL). The concentration of polyphenols [283.68 ± 0.60 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g] and flavonoids (10.50 ± 0.03 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g) could influence hemolysis, which is important to consider the dose of the AE in traditional cancer medicine [51].…”