This study was designed to determine the in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic
effects of crude extracts from the leaves and stem of Calotropis pocera (C.
procera) on bovine lymphocytes. The lymphocytes were cultured in the
presence of extracts at various concentrations (10μg/mL, 20μg/mL, 30μg/mL,
50μg/mL, and 70μg/mL) for 24h and the percentage of cell viability was
determined by MTT assay. Based on cytotoxic assessment, concentrations of
extracts were determined at which 25%, 50%, and 75% (LD50/2, LD50 and
2XLD50/2) of cells remained viable. Genotoxicity of aqueous and ethanolic
extract of Calotropis procera was determined by culturing the cells with these
three concentrations (25μg/mL, 50μg/mL, and 75μg/mL) for 24h, and DNA
damage was analyzed by Comet assay. Micronucleus assay evaluated for
nuclear and chromosomal damage. Our results indicated that out of both
extracts of C. procera (leaves and stem), alcoholic extract had shown greater
cytotoxicity in dose-dependent pattern. In contrast, aqueous extracts were
found to be comparatively less genotoxic at concentrations against bovine
lymphocytes. On further evaluation, it was observed that both extracts showed
chromosomal aberration and the formation of micronuclei. Thus, results
indicated that aqueous and alcoholic extracts (stem and leaves) of C. procera
possess in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity against bovine lymphocytes.