Genotoxicity evaluation of Oryeong-san water extract using in vitro and in vivo tests.
BACKGROUND
Oryeong-san, a mixture of five herbal plants, is a well-known therapy for renal-associated diseases such as those manifesting edema, dysuria, and oliguria.


METHODS
In the present study, we investigatee the potential genotoxic effects of a water extract of Oryeong-san (ORSE) in three mutagenicity assays (an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli strains, an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster lung cells, and an in vivo micronucleus test using ICR mice bone marrow).


RESULTS
ORSE showed no genotoxicity in the Ames test up to 5000 μg/plate; the in vitro chromosome aberration test showed no significant structural aberrations with and without the S9 mix up to 5000 μg/mL, or the in vivo micronucleus test up to 2000 mg/kg body weight.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, under the current test conditions, ORSE seems safe for use; however, other genotoxicity tests (e.g. sister-chromatid exchange or Comet) or chronic toxicity tests are warranted.
Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 483 Expo-ro, Yusung-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea. cozy11@kiom.re.kr.
Mee-Young
MY
Lee
Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 483 Expo-ro, Yusung-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea. csseo@kiom.re.kr.
Chang-Sebo
CS
Seo
Division of Nonclinical Studies, Korea Institute of Toxicology, P.O. Box 123, 19 Sinseongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-343, Republic of Korea. jykim@kitox.re.kr.
Ji-Young
JY
Kim
Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 483 Expo-ro, Yusung-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea. hkshin@kiom.re.kr.
Hyeun-Kyoo
HK
Shin
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced; D006224:Cricetinae; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects*; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000633:toxicity*
D009153:Mutagens; D010936:Plant Extracts