Background
The Mediterranean thistle Atractylis gummifera L. (Asteraceae; AG) has diterpenoid glucosides; atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside that interact with mitochondrial protein adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and resulted in ATP inhibition. Despite its well-known toxicity, acute poisonings still occur with this plant. Although most symptoms are attributed to ANT and diterpenoids interaction, in-depth investigation of the effects of AG extract on various cellular processes has not been performed.
Conclusion
this work highlights cellular and mitochondrial adverse effects of Atractylis gummifera extracts. A purified fraction that likely corresponds to ATR derivatives induces MPTP opening leading to swelling of mitochondria and its dysfunction. Allium cepa test provides the evidence for A. gummifera genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.
Results
With the two different doses of two purified AG fractions, stronger induction of MPTP was observed compared to the induction with the standard pure atracyloside. Aqueous AG extract exerted inhibition root growth in A. cepa at 6 different doses. The TAs was increased in a dose-dependent manner too, while mitotic index was decreased at the same doses. Evaluation of mitotic phases revealed mitodepressive effect of AG on A. cepa roots.