Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Sambucus canadensis ethanol extract in meristem cells of Allium sativum

The Sambucus canadensis species is used in traditional medicine mainly in indigenous communities as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, to treat cough, fever and other ailments, however, its use must be validated on scientific bases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of the ethanol extract of Sambucus canadensis in meristem cells of Allium sativum with 5 treatments at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/L. Two thousand cells were counted per treatment; the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA) and Chi square (X2) (p < 0.05). Root growth was found to be inhibited based on the concentration with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). As the dose and exposure time of the ethanol extract increased, the MI decreased. The NA increased at the highest concentrations of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/L and these differences were statistically significant compared to the control (p = 0.000). With the results obtained, it can be shown that the species has antiproliferative effects and genotoxic activity on the Allium sativum cell cycle, which can be extrapolated to other types of eukaryotic cells. Therefore, despite being a plant with health benefits, moderate use and low concentrations are recommended to avoid harmful effects.