Laboratory of Toxicological Genetics, Lutheran Univ. of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
J Food Sci. 2013 Feb;78(2):T367-71. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12034. Epub 2013 Jan 17.
The Cynara scolymus (artichoke) is widely consumed as tea or food and shows important therapeutic properties. However, few studies have assessed the possible toxic effects of artichoke extracts. This study evaluates genotoxic and mutagenic activities of artichoke leaf aqueous extract in mice using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Leaf extracts were given by gavage (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. Extract composition was investigated using phytochemical screening and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, antioxidant capacity was analyzed through the diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and xanthine oxidase assay. Phytochemical screening detected the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. HPLC analyses indicated the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercetrin, and rutin. Extracts showed a dose-dependent free radical scavenging effect of DPPH and an inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase. The genotoxic results showed that leaf extracts did not increase micronuclei in peripheral blood cells. Compared to the control group, a significant increase in comet assay values was observed only in bone marrow of group treated with 2000 mg/kg, the highest dose tested, indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation.
This is the first report of in vivo mutagenic and genotoxic evaluation with C. scolymus. The present study revealed leaf aqueous extract from artichoke shows lack of mutagenicity in vivo, and low genotoxicity and antioxidant activity; indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation.
朝鲜蓟（朝鲜蓟）作为茶或食物广泛食用，并具有重要的治疗特性。然而，很少有研究评估朝鲜蓟提取物的可能毒性作用。本研究使用彗星试验和微核试验评估朝鲜蓟叶水提取物对小鼠的遗传毒性和致突变活性。通过灌胃（500mg/kg、1000mg/kg 和 2000mg/kg）连续 3 天给予叶提取物。使用植物化学筛选和高效液相色谱法（HPLC）研究提取物的组成。此外，通过二苯基-苦基肼（DPPH）和黄嘌呤氧化酶测定法分析了抗氧化能力。植物化学筛选检测到酚类化合物、类黄酮和皂苷的存在。HPLC 分析表明存在绿原酸、咖啡酸、异槲皮苷和芦丁。提取物表现出 DPPH 自由基清除作用和黄嘌呤氧化酶抑制作用的剂量依赖性。遗传毒性结果表明，叶提取物不会增加外周血白细胞中的微核。与对照组相比，仅在 2000mg/kg 组的骨髓中观察到彗星试验值显着增加，这是测试的最高剂量，表明应适度饮用朝鲜蓟茶。
这是首次对朝鲜蓟的体内致突变性和遗传毒性进行评估的报告。本研究表明，朝鲜蓟叶水提取物在体内无致突变性，遗传毒性低且具有抗氧化活性；表明朝鲜蓟茶应适度饮用。
