Cytotoxicity of Anagallis arvensis L. Extracts: Implications for Traditional Healing

Abstract

Anagallis arvensis L. comprises two species, specifically Anagallis foemina Mill. For centuries, the Navarra region in Spain has employed primulaceae as traditional wound healing remedies. Previous studies have established the antimicrobial and COX-inhibitory properties of this species. However, despite the known cytotoxic effects at high doses or with prolonged oral administration, there is a lack of definitive research to establish their toxicity. In this study, cytotoxicity was assessed using spectrophotometric methods, including the MTT and LDH assays, on PC12 and DHD/K12PROb cells. Notably, DHD/K12PROb cells exhibited heightened sensitivity to the extracts compared to PC12 cells, resulting in reduced cell survival and increased cell damage (LDH release). Significant reductions in cell survival were observed with methanol extracts exceeding 80 mg/ml. These findings suggest that the reported toxic effects in traditional medicine may be attributed to the cytotoxic nature of these plants.