The cytotoxic, genotoxic and mitotoxic effects of Atractylis gummifera extract in vitro

Background: The Mediterranean thistle Atractylis gummifera L. (Asteraceae; AG) has diterpenoid glucosides; atractyloside andcarboxyatractyloside that interact with mitochondrial protein adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and resulted in ATP inhibition.Despite its well-known toxicity, acute poisonings still occur with this plant. Although most symptoms are attributed toANT and diterpenoids interaction, in-depth investigation of the effects of AG extract on various cellular processes has not beenperformed. Objective/method: We tested in vitro induction of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening in bovine livermitochondria and evaluated its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using Allium cepa test. Cell division, mitotic index (MI) and totalchromosomal and mitotic aberrations (TAs), that all seem potentially affected by ATP shortage, were studied in root cells ofAllium cepa exposed to Atractylis gummifera extract. Results: With the two different doses of two purified AG fractions, stronger induction of MPTP was observed compared tothe induction with the standard pure atracyloside. Aqueous AG extract exerted inhibition root growth in A. cepa at 6 differentdoses. The TAs was increased in a dose-dependent manner too, while mitotic index was decreased at the same doses. Evaluationof mitotic phases revealed mitodepressive effect of AG on A. cepa roots. Conclusion: This work highlights cellular and mitochondrial adverse effects of Atractylis gummifera extracts. A purified fractionthat likely corresponds to ATR derivatives induces MPTP opening leading to swelling of mitochondria and its dysfunction. Alliumcepa test provides the evidence for A. gummifera genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.