Genotoxic evaluation of the infusion of Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill (Asteraceae), a substitute of the medicinal plant known as “carqueja” in Argentina

Abstract Background Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill (Asteraceae) is employed as a substituent of medicinal species of the Baccharis genus known as “carqueja”, though the scientific evidence available nowadays is scarce regarding its efficacy, safety and quality. The objective of this article was to assess the genotoxic activity of an infusion of B. spicata leaves. Methods Genotoxicity of the infusions was assessed. Infusions were the extract of choice since its use is widespread among the population of Argentina. Selected assays for this purpose were the Ames test and the micronucleus assay, and metabolic activation was induced with S9-mix reagent. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the extract was determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and the content of total phenols, total hydroxycinnamic derivatives and total flavonoids was measured. Results The infusion contained flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic derivatives such as rutin, 5-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The frequency of biomarkers related to genotoxic damage such as frequencies of number of colony-forming units in the Ames test and micronuclei, nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges/1000 binucleated cells in the micronuclei test was not significantly different from the respective negative controls. Conclusions The absence of mutagenic effects in the in vitro models employed provides evidence of the safety of the infusion of B. spicata for its medicinal use in humans, though further research is needed in order to fully assure this affirmation. The importance of our study lies in the fact that this plant is used as a substitute for another medicinal species and the lack of scientific evidence regarding its safe consumption in commonly employed preparations.