title: Genotoxicity of polar and apolar extracts obtained from Qualea multiflora and Qualea grandiflora.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The species Qualea grandiflora and Qualea multiflora, which belong to the Vochysiaceae family, are common in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado biome), and the local inhabitants use these species to treat external ulcers and gastric diseases and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have demonstrated that these plants contain compounds that exhibit pharmacological activities; however, the risks associated with their consumption are not known.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, the mutagenicity of polar and apolar extracts from Qualea grandiflora and Qualea multiflora were assessed by employing the Ames assay with and without metabolic activation. Additionally, phytochemical analyses (HPLC-ESI-IT-MS, HPLC-UV-PDA and GC-IT-MS) were performed to identify the chemical constituents present in these species, including the evaluation of physico-chemical properties, such as polarity or apolarity of the organic compounds, which are related to each fraction obtained. These studies provide important information regarding the biochemical behaviour of these compounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All extracts exhibited mutagenicity, inducing frameshift mutations and base substitutions in DNA. Phytochemical analysis identified terpenes, ellagic acid derivatives and phytosteroids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mutagenicity observed might be due to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes and polyphenols, which are able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and result in the potential to cause DNA damage. The genetic risk identified in this present work shows that special attention should be considered for the use of compounds obtained from these plant species in medicinal treatments. Further studies must be conducted to identify safe therapeutic doses.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Araraquara, SP Brazil. santos fv@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Fabio V
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Ana Lucia M
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Nasser
authors.forename: Fabiana I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Biso
authors.forename: Leonardo M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Vanessa J S V
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Wagner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vilegas
authors.forename: Eliana A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Varanda
mesh_terms: D004249:DNA Damage; D004610:Ellagic Acid / Q000633:toxicity; D016368:Frameshift Mutation; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D009154:Mutation; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000633:toxicity; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000633:toxicity; D013729:Terpenes / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens; D010840:Phytosterols; D010936:Plant Extracts; D059808:Polyphenols; D013729:Terpenes; D004610:Ellagic Acid