Antimutagenic activity of essential oil and crude extract of Phlomis fruticosa

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the antimutagenic activity of essential oil and crude extract of Phlomis fruticosa. This species belongs to the family Lamiaceae which includes a number of species with medical and pharmaceutical properties. The Escherichia coli K12 reversion assay for identifying antimutagens was used. The number of spontaneous and UV-induced Arg(+) revertants, as well as cell survival was monitored in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of the essential oil. The number of UV-induced revertants was slightly increased in the presence of essential oil. The ethanol extract demonstrated a significant effect on viable cells. Study on pharmacological and phytochemical activities as well as antimutagenetic potential against some chemical mutagens of the essential oils, total extract and their different fractions and constituents of Ph. fruticosa is in progress.