Genotoxicity assessment of Copaiba oil and its fractions in Swiss mice

Abstract

Copaiba oil-resin, extracted from the trunk of Copaifera, and traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of various disorders, has been shown to be an effective antiinflamatory, antitumor, antitetanus, antiseptic and anti-blenorrhagea agent. As, there are few studies evaluating its genotoxicity, this aspect of the commercial oil-resin, and its volatile and resinous fractions, were evaluated in mice by comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. A single dose of oil resin, volatile or resin fractions (500; 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg b.w.) was administered by gavage. The chemical compositions of Copaiba oil resin and its fractions was analyzed by gas chromatography. According to comet assaying, treatment with either one did not increase DNA damage, and as to MN testing, there was no alteration in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Chromatographic analysis of the oil-resin itself revealed sesquiterpenes, diterpenic carboxylic acid methyl esters and high levels of β-caryophyllene. Thus, it can be assumed that the oil resin and volatile and resinous fractions from the commercial product are not genotoxic or mutagenic.

Trans-β-Caryophyllene: An Effective Antileishmanial Compound Found in Commercial Copaiba Oil (Copaiferaspp.)

“…Importantly, the absence of genotoxicity and mutagenicity to mice, administered with acute single doses up to 2 g/Kg of copaiba oil or its volatile and nonvolatile fractions, has been demonstrated using the comet assay as well as by the absence of any increase in the frequency of micronuclei of bone marrow and peripheral blood cells [47]. Moreover, oral treatment with whole C. martii oil reduces L. amazonensis lesions in mice [19].…”

The oil-resin of the tropical rainforest tree Copaifera langsdorffii reduces cell viability, changes cell morphology and induces cell death in human endometriotic stromal cultures

“…A previous study has evaluated the effect of C. langsdorffii oil‐resin in endometriotic foci of rats, finding significant results, including reduction in lesion size [39]. In addition, Almeida and colleagues[40] examined the genotoxicity in mice of commercial copaiba oil‐resin and its fractions, and observed that the oil‐resin and its volatile and resinous fractions are not genotoxic or mutagenic to these animals.…”

Synergistic enhancement of parasiticidal activity of amphotericin B using copaiba oil in nanoemulsified carrier for oral delivery: an approach for non‐toxic chemotherapy

“…Furthermore, oral administration of CopNEC-AmB decreased its nephrotoxicity as the plasma creatinine level was reduced (data not shown) compared with that after plain AmB. It was also reported in literature that acute single doses of Cop up to 2 g·kg −1 do not cause genotoxic and mutagenic effects in mice (Almeida et al, 2012).…”