Herbal Extract-Induced DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Antioxidant Effects of <i>C. elegans</i>: A Comparative Study of <i>Mentha longifolia</i>, <i>Scrophularia orientalis</i>, and <i>Echium biebersteinii</i>
<b>Background:</b> Herbal medicine represents a rich yet complex source of bioactive compounds, offering both therapeutic potential and toxicological risks. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, we systematically evaluated the biological effects of three traditional herbal extracts—...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceuticals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/1030 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Herbal medicine represents a rich yet complex source of bioactive compounds, offering both therapeutic potential and toxicological risks. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, we systematically evaluated the biological effects of three traditional herbal extracts—<i>Mentha longifolia</i>, <i>Scrophularia orientalis</i>, and <i>Echium biebersteinii</i>—using <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> as an in vivo model. <b>Results:</b> All three extracts significantly reduced worm survival, induced larval arrest, and triggered a high incidence of males (HIM) phenotypes, indicative of mitotic failure and meiotic chromosome missegregation. Detailed analysis of germline architecture revealed extract-specific abnormalities, including nuclear disorganization, ectopic crescent-shaped nuclei, altered meiotic progression, and reduced bivalent formation. These defects were accompanied by activation of the DNA damage response, as evidenced by upregulation of checkpoint genes (<i>atm-1</i>, <i>atl-1</i>), increased pCHK-1 foci, and elevated germline apoptosis. LC-MS profiling identified 21 major compounds across the extracts, with four compounds—thymol, carvyl acetate, luteolin-7-<i>O</i>-rutinoside, and menthyl acetate—shared by all three herbs. Among them, thymol and carvyl acetate significantly upregulated DNA damage checkpoint genes and promoted apoptosis, whereas thymol and luteolin-7-<i>O</i>-rutinoside contributed to antioxidant activity. Notably, <i>S. orientalis</i> and <i>E. biebersteinii</i> shared 11 of 14 major constituents (79%), correlating with their similar phenotypic outcomes, while <i>M. longifolia</i> exhibited a more distinct chemical profile, possessing seven unique compounds. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the complex biological effects of traditional herbal extracts, demonstrating that both beneficial and harmful outcomes can arise from specific phytochemicals within a mixture. By deconstructing these extracts into their active components, such as thymol, carvyl acetate, and luteolin-7-<i>O</i>-rutinoside, we gain critical insight into the mechanisms driving reproductive toxicity and antioxidant activity. This approach underscores the importance of component-level analysis for accurately assessing the therapeutic value and safety profile of medicinal plants, particularly those used in foods and dietary supplements. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-8247 |