Genotoxic evaluation of chemical fractions of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf using plasmid assay
- 1Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana , ,
Abstract
Introduction: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine in Africa, Asia and Latin America, mainly consumed as aqueous decoctions or infusions to treat fever, colds, cough, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, inflammation and anxiety. Despite its extensive traditional use, information on the genotoxic and oxidative effects of its individual chemical fractions remains limited.
Methods: The DNA strand breaks and oxidative effects of the aqueous, butanolic and essential oil fractions obtained from the aqueous extract of C. citratus were evaluated using an ex vivo purified pCMUT plasmid DNA model. Cleavage was analyzed after short- and long-term exposure, and oxidative damage was assessed using formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG). Phytochemical characterization of the aqueous and butanolic fractions was performed by HPLC–HR-MS/MS.
Results: None of the fractions induced plasmid cleavage after 30 min of exposure. However, the aqueous fraction caused significant DNA strand breaks after prolonged incubation. Oxidative DNA damage was detected with the aqueous and essential oil fractions, whereas the butanolic fraction showed no detectable oxidative or breaking effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between fractions, particularly in phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Discussion: The aqueous fraction of C. citratus exhibits a higher genotoxic and pro-oxidant potential under prolonged exposure, while the butanolic fraction presents a safer profile under the evaluated conditions. These findings highlight the importance of fraction-specific toxicological assessment to support the safe traditional and pharmacological use of C. citratus .
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BibTeX
@article{carrascoalfonso2026genotoxic,
title = {{Genotoxic evaluation of chemical fractions of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf using plasmid assay}},
author = {Mayda Carrasco-Alfonso and Fabiana Fuentes-León and Laura Sánchez-Hechavarría and Claudia Rodríguez-Hernández and Ángel Sánchez-Lamar and Antonio Francioso},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fphar.2026.1897115},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13672496},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Genotoxic evaluation of chemical fractions of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf using plasmid assay
AU - Mayda Carrasco-Alfonso
AU - Fabiana Fuentes-León
AU - Laura Sánchez-Hechavarría
AU - Claudia Rodríguez-Hernández
AU - Ángel Sánchez-Lamar
AU - Antonio Francioso
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/02
JO - Frontiers in pharmacology
DO - 10.3389/fphar.2026.1897115
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13672496
AB - Introduction: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine in Africa, Asia and Latin America, mainly consumed as aqueous decoctions or infusions to treat fever, colds, cough, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, inflammation and anxiety. Despite its extensive traditional use, information on the genotoxic and oxidative effects of its individual chemical fractions remains limited. Methods: The DNA strand breaks and oxidative effects of the aqueous, butanolic and essential oil fractions obtained from the aqueous extract of C. citratus were evaluated using an ex vivo purified pCMUT plasmid DNA model. Cleavage was analyzed after short- and long-term exposure, and oxidative damage was assessed using formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG). Phytochemical characterization of the aqueous and butanolic fractions was performed by HPLC–HR-MS/MS. Results: None of the fractions induced plasmid cleavage after 30 min of exposure. However, the aqueous fraction caused significant DNA strand breaks after prolonged incubation. Oxidative DNA damage was detected with the aqueous and essential oil fractions, whereas the butanolic fraction showed no detectable oxidative or breaking effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between fractions, particularly in phenolic acids and flavonoids. Discussion: The aqueous fraction of C. citratus exhibits a higher genotoxic and pro-oxidant potential under prolonged exposure, while the butanolic fraction presents a safer profile under the evaluated conditions. These findings highlight the importance of fraction-specific toxicological assessment to support the safe traditional and pharmacological use of C. citratus .
SN - 1663-9812
ER -