Genoprotective Effects of Origanum Vulgare Ethanolic Extract Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Genotoxicity in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells Publisher Pubmed



Habibi E^{1, 2} ; Shokrzadeh M^{1, 3} ; Ahmadi A¹ ; Chabra A⁴ ; Naghshvar F⁵ ; Keshavarzmaleki R³ Show Affiliations
Source: Pharmaceutical Biology Published:2015

Abstract

Context: Cyclophosphamide (CP), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, can bind DNA, causing chromosome breaks, micronucleus (Mn) formation, and cell death. Because Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) has antioxidative properties, it might protect against DNA damage. Objective: The genoprotective effect of O. vulgare ethanolic extract against CP-induced genotoxicity in mouse bone marrow cells was evaluated using a Mn assay. Materials and methods: Mice were pre-treated with aerial parts of O. vulgare ethanolic extract at different doses (50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) for 7 d. One hour after the last administration of O. vulgare, animals were injected with CP at 200 mg/kg. After 24 h, the bone marrow cells of both femurs were flushed and the frequency of MnPCEs was evaluated to measure the chromosomal damages. In addition, the number of PCEs per 1000 NCEs in each animal was recorded to evaluate the bone-marrow suppression; mitotic activity was calculated as [PCE/(PCE + NCE)] × 100 to assess the cell division. Results: At 400 mg/kg, O. vulgare displayed its maximum protective effect, reduced the number of MnPCEs from 10.52 ± 1.07 for CP group to 2.17 ± 0.26 and completely normalized the mitotic activity (p < 0.001). Origanum vulgare also led to significant proliferation and hypercellularity of immature myeloid elements after the mice were treated with CP, mitigating the bone marrow suppression. Discussion and conclusion: Origanum vulgare ethanolic extract exerts a potent genoprotective effect against CP-induced genotoxicity in mice bone marrow, which might be possibly due to the scavenging of free radicals during oxidative stress conditions. © 2015 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved.