Evaluation of phytotoxic and mutagenic effects of some cinnamic acid derivatives using the Triticum test

Five cinnamic acid derivatives [cinnamic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromophenyl)- propanoic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid, and 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5- methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid] were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and their minimal bactericidal concentrations were determined (100 μg/mL). The first step in assessing their toxicological potential was the phytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation on Triticum aestivum. Wheat seeds were exposed to solutions of the tested compounds (100 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. The development of roots and seedlings, germination percentage, mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and total polyphenol content were analyzed. The substances caused in most experimental cases a slight inhibition in the growth of the tested plantlets in comparison to the control, with the exception of 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid (48 h of exposure). All compounds inhibited the germination process and mitotic activity. No aberrant metaphases were generated, but abnormal anatelophases appeared, and 4 types of chromosomal aberrations were identified: chromosome bridges, chromosome fragments, micronuclei, and multipolar anatelophases. Wheat plantlet metabolism was also affected; the total polyphenol content decreased in the treated plantlets.