Evaluation of the antimutagenic potential of Psidium guajava L. extracts via plant bioassays

DNA damage is considered an important initial event in carcinogenesis. A considerable battery of assays exists to detect antimutagenic potential by exposure to genotoxic agents in combination with a plant compound. Plant systems such as Lactuca sativa have been successfully employed in cytogenetic bioassays as models to detect antimutagenic properties. Psidium guajava (guava) is an important fruit species with antimutagenic properties. In order to better understand these properties and warrant guava use as an important anticancer and other degenerative diseases agent, the present work aimed to verify the antimutagenic potential of guava trough in vivo assays using L. sativa meristematic cells. Three guava cultivars were evaluated (Pedro Sato, Paluma and Roxa) to determine their antimutagenic activity. Guava infusions at a concentration of 2.5 g·L− 1 were used in the antimutagenic protocols. Protocol combining guava infusion with a mutagenic agent, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), revealed the antimutagenic potential of the infusions. The percentage of damage observed from MMS exposure was reduced for all three cultivars. The mechanisms by which this antimutagenic effect was achieved were discussed. L. sativa was suggested as an efficient model for screening the antimutagenic activity of natural compounds.