The use of Allium cepa L. assay as bioindicator for the investigation of genotoxic effects of industrial waste water

In this study, genotoxic potential of industrial waste water (IWW) samples was investigated using Allium cepa assay. The root tips were treated with different IWW samples (A, B and C) for 48 hours. The effects of IWW on cytological effects were determined. It was found that all IWW samples significantly increased the percentage of total abnormality. Mitotic chromosomal abnormalities such as irregular metaphase, stickiness, c-mitosis, micronucleus, vagrant chromosomes and bridges were determined. Furthermore, a significant reduction for the mitotic index that is indicative of cellular toxicity was observed in root tips cells, which were treated with IWW samples. A. cepa assay can be used as useful tool for the detection of genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of IWWs

Physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron honey produced in Turkey

S u m m a r y Rhododendron honey is a monofloral honey and it is collected from the flowers of Rhododendron species widely spreading over many countries, mainly in America, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia. It is belived that Rhododendron honey treats several disorders and is used traditionally as an alternative medicine. The determination of the chemical characteristics of the Rhododendron honey is essential for public health. In this research, the physicochemical characteristics of Rhododendron, chestnut and flower honey samples collected from beekeepers in Turkey were determined and compared. Physico-chemical parameters such as moisture, acidity, sucrose, invert sugar, fructose/glucose, conductivity, diastase and hydroxymethylfurfural were analysed in each honey sample. According to the results obtained, no differences were found in physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron, honey samples, except from moisture and acidity compared with those of chestnut and flower honeys. In order to differentiate Rhododendron honeys, new methods should be developed. This honey should be reintroduced to medicine and used in pharmaceutical industry

Chemical Compositions and Antimutagenic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Stachys Thirkei and Stachys Annua subsp. Annua Using the Ames Assay

In this study, antimutagenic effects of ethanolic extracts of Stachys thirkei and Stachys annua subsp. annua belonging to Lamiaceae family that grow in Duzce of Turkey were investigated on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains without metabolic activation using Salmonella/microsome test system. Three different concentrations (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/plate) of the ethanolic extracts of S. thirkei and S. annua subsp. were used as active materials in which the major components were 2-ethylhexanol (30.012%) and 2-beta-pinene (26.40%), respectively. The highest concentration (0.1 mg/plate) of S. thirkei had a moderate antimutagenic effect on the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain with a 26.79% inhibition rate. It was also established that the extract of S. thirkei at highest concentration (0.1 mg/plate) exhibited strong antimutagenic effect (with 44.03% maximum inhibition) on TA100 strain. Furthermore, it was found that 0.05 mg/plate ethanolic extract showed moderate antimutagenic activity with 25.55% inhibition rate. The highest concentration (0.1 mg/plate) of ethanolic extract of S. annua subsp. showed moderate antimutagenic activity on both Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains with inhibition rates of 20.39 and 22.13%, respectively. No antimutagenic activity on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains was observed at the lowest doses of both plant species. As a result, it is concluded that S. thirkei and annua subsp. have antimutagenic activity and further studies may be recommended in terms of different parameters.Duzce University Scientific Research FundDuzce University [2019.11.01.908]This study was supported by Duzce University Scientific Research Fund (Project Number, 2019.11.01.908).WOS:0006263519000022-s2.0-8510224688

Physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron honey produced in Turkey

S u m m a r y Rhododendron honey is a monofloral honey and it is collected from the flowers of Rhododendron species widely spreading over many countries, mainly in America, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia. It is belived that Rhododendron honey treats several disorders and is used traditionally as an alternative medicine. The determination of the chemical characteristics of the Rhododendron honey is essential for public health. In this research, the physicochemical characteristics of Rhododendron, chestnut and flower honey samples collected from beekeepers in Turkey were determined and compared. Physico-chemical parameters such as moisture, acidity, sucrose, invert sugar, fructose/glucose, conductivity, diastase and hydroxymethylfurfural were analysed in each honey sample. According to the results obtained, no differences were found in physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron, honey samples, except from moisture and acidity compared with those of chestnut and flower honeys. In order to differentiate Rhododendron honeys, new methods should be developed. This honey should be reintroduced to medicine and used in pharmaceutical industry

Investigation of genotoxic effects of rhododendron honey using three mammalian bioassays in vivo

Rhododendron honey (RH) is obtained from the rhododendron plants are grown in many regions around the world, causes poisoning in humans due to the grayanotoxin (GTX) compound in its structure. It is used by the public as a therapeutic for some diseases. It was aimed to study the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of RH in mouse bone-marrow and sperm cells by using three mammalian bioassays. 25, 50 and 75 mg kg(-1) concentrations of RH given to male mice via gavage for 24 and 48 h treatment periods and its active ingredient Grayanatoxin (GTX-III) 0.01 mg kg(-1) by i.p. injection. Chromosome aberrations (CA), polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) and sperm abnormalities were investigated. The results demonstrated that all the tested concentrations of RH significantly induced total abnormal cell frequency including chromosomal breaks for two time periods. In the MN assay, 75 mg kg(-1) RH and 0.01 mg kg(-1) GTX-III significantly increased % MNPCE and significantly reduced PCE/NCE ratios after 24 and 48 h treatments on mice demonstrating potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effect. Although there was a concentration-related increase in the percentage of total sperm abnormalities, this increase was not statistically significant compared to control. As a result, microscopic genotoxicity and cytotoxicity marker tests showed that RH and its active ingredient GTX-III have potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effect on mice bone marrow cells. It is understood that RH that is used to treat some diseases by public, should be handled carefully and used in a controlled manner.Duzce University Scientific Research FundDuzce University [2013.01.01.199]This study was supported by Duzce University Scientific Research Fund [Project Number= 2013.01.01.199].WOS:0006589283000012-s2.0-85107611857PubMed: 3410032