Toxicogenetic evaluation of the ethanolic flower extract of Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) in preclinical studies

The species Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.), commonly known as angico-de-bezerro or catanduva, is traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of prostate inflammation and is known to possess important biological properties, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, despite its therapeutic applications, the genotoxicological profile of this species remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity, cytotoxicity and mutagenic potential of the ethanolic extract of flower of Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) using the Artemia salina bioassay, MTT assay and Allium cepa L. test. The extract was tested at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 µg mL-1. The A. salina and MTT assays demonstrated a decrease in cell viability at concentrations starting from 243 µg mL-1. In the A. cepa test, no cytotoxic effects were detected; however, a significant increase in chromosomal alterations was observed at 500, 750 and 1,000 µg mL-1. Our findings, therefore, suggest that the ethanolic flower extract of P. moniliformis exhibits toxicogenetic effects at higher concentrations, necessitating further investigation in preclinical studies.