Evaluation of cellular safety and the chemical composition of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) ethanolic extracts
Florencia Menis Candela, Walter Giordano, Patricia Quiroga, Franco Matías Escobar, Fernando Mañas, Dardo Andrés Roma, Mariana Larrauri, Laura R. Comini, Elio Andrés Soria, María Carola Sabini
Abstract
. Also, chemical characterization of these extracts was performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assays on Vero cells. Genotoxicity was studied by Micronuclei and comet assays on Balb/C mice. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of extracts were performed. Results showed that extracts have low cytotoxicity. Tegument ethanolic extract (TEE) and Seed ethanolic extract (SEE) were not genotoxic. The treatments with TEE at 250 mg/kg and SEE at 2000 mg/kg revealed (highest concentrations evaluated) some toxicity on blood marrow cells of mice. Chemical characterization indicated that TEE had 74.33 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g of dried extract and SEE had 15.05 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of dried extract of total phenolic content. Also, proanthocyanidins (O.D. at 550 nm 1.39 ± 0.15) and caffeic acid (2.46%) were identified in TEE. While, linoleic acid (58.84%) oleic acid (11.31%) and palmitic acid (8.37%) were major compounds of SEE. In conclusion, peanut consumption is safe at concentrations recommended for healthy uses, such as nutrition, and phytomedicine.