Forskolin: genotoxicity assessment in Allium cepa.
Forskolin, a diterpene, 7β-acetoxy-8,13-epoxy-1α,6β,9α-trihydroxy-labd-14-en-11-one (C22H34O7) isolated from Coleus forskohlii, exerts multiple physiological effects by stimulating the enzyme adenylate cyclase and increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations. Forskolin is used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, eczema, and other diseases. A cytogenetic assay was performed in Allium cepa to assess possible genotoxic effects of forskolin. Forskolin was tested at concentrations 5-100 μM for exposure periods of 24 or 48 h. Treated samples showed significant reductions in mitotic index (p < 0.05) and increases in the frequency of chromosome aberrations (p < 0.01) at both exposure times. The treated meristems showed chromosome aberrations including sticky metaphases, sticky anaphases, laggard, anaphase bridges, micronuclei, polyploidy, fragments, breaks, and C-mitosis. Forskolin may cause genotoxic effects and further toxicological evaluations should be conducted to ensure its safety.
Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Khalid Pasha
KP
Mohammed
Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Archana
A
Aarey
Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Shayesta
S
Tamkeen
Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Electronic address: drparveenjahan@osmania.ac.in.
Parveen
P
Jahan
D000705:Anaphase / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D031330:Coleus / Q000737:chemistry; D005576:Colforsin / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D008677:Metaphase / Q000187:drug effects; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D019697:Onions / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D011123:Polyploidy; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005576:Colforsin
Allium cepa; Chromosomal aberrations; Forskolin; Genotoxiciy; Mitotic index