Investigation of the genotoxic effects of an oral suspension used in oral care by in vitro methods

Rheum ribes is a wild and perennial plant that grows in our country and it is a plant known to have a laxative effect among the local population, widely used in the treatment of symptoms and conditions such as diabetes, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial consumed as food in some regions. Four dose groups were created by using an oral suspension which is including Salicylic acid and Rhei extract obtained from Rheum ribes plant. The doses were applied to lymphocyte cells isolated from the blood taken from healthy individuals according to CBMN (Cytokinesis Blocking Micronucleus) and Comet test procedures, and the data obtained were examined. The comet test is based on parameters such as tail length, tail momentum and tail density. Significant differences were observed in all doses (50 mg/mL, 37.5 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL) administered according to aforementioned parameters compared to the negative control, and it is considired that the same has caused single or double strand breaks in the DNA of lymphocyte cells. When the 24-hour and 48-hour CPI values from the CBMN test results were examined, a significant difference was observed in the CPI values of all doses. When the MN values of the CBMN test were examined, only the highest dose (50 mg/mL) showed a significant difference for the 24-hour MN values, while a significant difference was observed from the 48-hour MN values of 50 mg/mL, 37.5 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL. The substance used may show cytotoxic and genotoxic effects depending on the exposure time and dose increase. Further research is required to detect potential genotoxic and cytotoxic damages.