Article

Mutagenic effects of aqueous extracts of Symphytum officinale L. and of its alkaloidal fractions

  1. Mirosława Fumanowa*,
  2. Joanna Guzewska,
  3. Bożena Bełdowska

Article first published online: 11 JAN 2006

DOI: 10.1002/jat.2550030304

Issue

Journal of Applied Toxicology

Journal of Applied Toxicology

Volume 3, Issue 3, pages 127–130, June 1983

Additional Information

How to Cite

Fumanowa, M., Guzewska, J. and Bełdowska, B. (1983), Mutagenic effects of aqueous extracts of Symphytum officinale L. and of its alkaloidal fractions. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 3: 127–130. doi: 10.1002/jat.2550030304

Author Information

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, The Medical Academy, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

*Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, The Medical Academy, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 JAN 2006
  2. Article first published online: 11 JAN 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 30 SEP 1982
  4. Manuscript Received: 3 JUN 1981

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Keywords:

  • Symphytum officinale;
  • Vicia test;
  • pyrrolizidine alkaloid;
  • mutagenic effect

Abstract

Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in therapy. Its roots, described in the Polish Pharmacopoeia1 as Radix symphyti, are recommended as expectorants, especially for children. Aqueous solutions of three alkaloid fractions obtained from infusions of Symphytum officinale L. root were tested for their antimitotic and mutagenic activity in meristematic cells of the lateral roots of Vicia faba L., var minor. Lasiocarpine, a proven carcinogen, served as a positive control. Mutagenic effects were induced by lasiocarpine, by the alkaloidal fraction I and by diluted infusions from Radix symphyti. Fraction III had only antimitotic effect. The biological activity of the tested solutions is discussed in relation to the relevant literature.

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