Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and antiprofilerative effect of Costus Scaber Ruiz & Pav (Costaceae): a contribution to folk medicine, oncology and genetic improvement/ Citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade e efeito antiprofilerativo de Costus scaber Ruiz & Pav (Costaceae): uma contribuição para medicina popular, oncologia e melhoramento genético

Abstract

Costus scaber is an herbaceous species that has hard and cylindrical stems and can reach up to 80 cm in height. It has an inflorescence at the end of the stalk from 6 to 10 cm long, which is surrounded by scaly bracts. Due to this species interesting medicinal potential, the objective of this study was to analyze its cytotoxic and genotoxic effect. The cytogenotoxic and antiprofilerative effect was evaluated using the bioindicator Allium cepa via the direct and indirect method. Fresh Leaves of C. scaber were used for the infusion. Three different concentrations of infusions were elaborated, which were 2, 3 and 4 g/L -1 for each of the different methods, and were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Five slides were made per treatment, with 300 cells per slide. Statistical analyses were performed in the R program. The cytotoxic, genotoxic and antiprofilerative effects were found in certain concentrations and at certain exposure periods, and it was also noted that, in general, as the concentration and exposure period increased, the mitotic index decreased and the antiprofilerative effect increased. Several chromosomal abnormalities were found in the infusions analyzed. Therefore, according to the results found, it can be concluded that C. scaber has great potential for genetic improvement of plants in the field of drug production mainly in the field of oncology.