Genotoxicity evaluation in vitro by comet assay of compound and crude extract obtained from P. Pubescens Benth.

Pterodon pubescens Benth, native of Brazilian Cerrado, is used in folk medicine for pain treatment. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy was proven with further toxicity studies conducted to ensure safety issues. The genotoxic potential was assessed by Alckaline Comet in vitro Assay to detect DNA single-strand damage at level of eukaryotic cell, where CHO-K1 cells were exposed to the crude extract (EBD) and diterpene compound A (Dit-A) in 0.3, 3 e 30 µg/ml concentrations for 4 hours. Cell suspensions, in agarose slides, were subjected to electrophoresis and then analyzed with ethidium bromide by fluorescence microscopy. The genotoxic potential was evaluated according to the percentage of DNA fragmentation and Tail Moment. The EBD 30 µg/ml (13.11 ± 13.20) and Dit-A 30 µg/ml (17.73 ± 9.95), when compared to control MMS 4,7µM (94.17 ± 3.55), did not exhibit genotoxic potential (ANOVA, p < 0,001).