Study of cytogenotoxicity of Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carriere

Abstract

Cedrus atlantica is an endangered endemic pine tree species native to north west Africa. It is known for its medicinal characteristics and exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial capabilities. The current study aimed to explore the cyto-genotoxic effects of the needles aqueous and ethanolic extracts, which were analyzed using Allium cepa test. The main phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were also evaluated. The ethanolic extract has a higher content of phytochemical compounds than the aqueous extract. Analysis of cytotoxic properties demonstrated dose-dependent influences in both the mitotic index (MI) and root growth. The extracts had no significant changes in the prophase percentage when increasing concentrations. On the contrary, the metaphase percentage experienced a noticeable drop; it was around 8,24±3,22% for the aqueous extract and 3,81±3% for the ethanolic extract under the treatment with 0,1 mg/mL. These values decreased to 1,92±2,17% and 0,96±0,83% respectively for aqueous and ethanolic extracts under the treatment with 0,75 and 1 mg/mL. Based on Allium cepa chromosomal aberration assay, it was found that the extracts of C. atlantica have also genotoxic potential but remains below that of the negative control. In both aqueous and ethanolic extracts, treatment with 0,1 mg/mL displayed the highest number of anomalies while the lowest number was obtained under treatment with 1 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the studied plant has cytotoxic effects on the cell phases arresting metaphase. Meanwhile its genotoxic effects were low compared to negative control.