Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is a tree belonging to family Moraceae. Its leaves have traditionally been used to stimulate milk production and as vermifuge, antisyphilitic, antifungal and anti-ulcers agents, as well as for diabetes management. Recent studies have demonstrated the hypoglycemic and anthelmintic effects of leaf extracts, increasing interest in the therapeutic application of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., and underscoring the importance of comprehensive safety assessments. The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the cytogenotoxic effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. leaves. The study was conducted using the Allium cepa L. assay, comet assay, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, and a germination assay using Lactuca sativa L. as analytical tools. Both extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects at concentrations of 15 mg mL⁻¹ and 30 mg mL⁻¹, as evidenced by increased cell death, nuclear alterations, and reduced mitotic index in meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. roots. Cytotoxicity was further confirmed by the Lactuca sativa L. germination assay. Evidence of genotoxic potential was also observed. Although no significant increase in the DNA damage index was detected using the comet assay, RAPD analysis demonstrated alterations in genomic profiles, suggesting genotoxic potential. These effects may be associated with the phytochemical classes detected in the extracts, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins and anthraquinones. These findings highlight the relevance of raising awareness about the indiscriminate use of medicinal plants and reinforce the need to evaluate the genotoxic potential of these compounds when considering the phytotherapeutic use of this plant.
Rocha et al. (Fri,) studied this question.