In vitro cytogenotoxic and mutagenic effects of Commiphora myrrha essential oil

This study is planned to reveal the cytogenotoxic and mutagenic effects of Commiphora myrrha essential oil. In vitro micronucleus (MN) and comet assay tests were performed on human peripheral lymphocytes. Additionally, for DNA protective activity testing the commercial PBR322 plasmid was used. for the Ames test it was carried out using TA98 and TA100 strains, which are mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The acute treatment method with test substance has been adopted in all tests performed. Human peripheral lymphocytes were treated with Commiphora myrrha essential oil concentrations of 0.03125, 0.0625, or 0.125 µL/mL for 24 or 48 hours, for MN tests respectively. Similarly in the comet assay and DNA-protecting activity tests, cells were treated with myrrh oil concentrations in 60 min and 100 min respectively. In the Ames test, Commiphora myrrha essential oil concentrations were administered fashion 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.50 or 1 µL/Petri plate. In the study, Commiphora myrrha essential oil increased MN formation significantly at 24 hours treatment only two concentrations ( 0.0625 and 0.125 µL/mL) compared to control. On the other hand, the 48 hours treatment period, a statistically significant difference was observed at the highest concentration of (0.125 µL/mL). Nuclear division index (NDI) was found to be significant at the highest concentration (0.125 µL/mL) compared to all controls at 24 or 48 hours of treatment time. Also, myrrh treatment on healthy lymphocytes in the comet test, some increase in the damaged cell percentage, and genetic damage index values were observed, but only the increase detected at the highest concentration was found to be significant compared to the control. Furthermore, It has been depicted observed the test substance does not damage the plasmid DNA alone but it protects DNA lowly and insignificant against the single or combine effect which positive control H2O2 and UV. Finally, there was no significant difference in oxidative stress parameters compared to controls.