Genotoxicity evaluation of aqueous extracts of Cotoneaster discolor and Alhagi pseudalhagi by comet assay

Cotoneaster discolor and Alhagi pseudalhagi are two important kinds of Iranian manna. They have several therapeutic applications in adults and children. The most important ingredient of Cotoneaster discolor is mannitol. Due to the scarcity of toxicological studies on these compounds, their genotoxicity was evaluated. METHODS: Comet assay technique using fluorescence microscopy was selected to assess genotoxicity. Tail length, %DNA in tail, and tail moment were measured and DNA damage was evaluated. RESULTS: Our findings showed that A. pseudalhagi, C. discolor, glucose, and mannitol caused DNA damage at concentrations of 5 μg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, and 50 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Taking C. discolor and A. pseudalhagi in doses which produce concentrations less than 100 mg/ml and 5 μg/ml, respectively, is safe. The harmful effects of non sugary components might be considered in the toxicity caused by these compounds.