Introduction
============

Many species of medicinal plants, such as *Amburana cearensis*, *Anadenanthera colubrina*, *Mentha x villosa*, *Myracrodruon urundeuva*, *Plectranthus amboinicus*, *Ruta graveolens*, *Ximenia americana* and *Ziziphus joazeiro*, are widely used by communities in the Brazilian Caatinga to treat a large spectrum of clinical conditions ranging from diseases requiring palliative care to general aches, *e.g.*, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, nasal congestion, headaches, flu, fever, expectorant, colic, hypertension, thrombosis, indigestion, intestinal dysfunction, liver and kidney problems, infectious and inflammatory processes and pain in general ([@b13-gmb-73-2-259]). *Ziziphus joazeiro* Mart. (Rhamnaceae) is a native Brazilian tree resistant to dry environments ([@b13-gmb-73-2-259]). This species is an important source of water and food for animals in arid habitats ([@b12-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b18-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b39-gmb-73-2-259]).

A phytochemical analysis of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. has shown that the leaf epicuticular wax is rich in *n*-alkanes (78.6%), very efficient compounds for impermeabilizing the leaf surface, and triterpenoids ([@b43-gmb-73-2-259]). A similar analysis of a dichloromethane extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark identified triterpenoids with weak antibacterial activity (*e.g.*, betulinic, alphitolic and ursolic acids) and remarkable activity against *Staphylococcus epidermidis* \[*e.g.*, betulinic acid ester derivatives such as 7β-(4-hydroxy-benzoyloxy), 7β-(4-hydro-3-methoxy-benzoyloxy) and 27-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoyloxy)\] ([@b50-gmb-73-2-259]). *Ziziphus joazeiro* Mart. bark also contains an abundance of saponins that have been used as toothpastes, with aqueous extracts showing antimicrobial action against bacteria (planktonic cells and artificial biofilms) related to dental caries and periodontal diseases ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). Other popular therapeutic applications of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. include the treatment of dandruff, rheumatism, flu, fever, chronic bronchitis, gastric ulcers, indigestion, heartburn and headaches ([@b50-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b13-gmb-73-2-259]). In addition, experimental studies have identified potential antifungal ([@b19-gmb-73-2-259]), antibacterial ([@b50-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b6-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b34-gmb-73-2-259]), antioxidant ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]) and antipyretic ([@b39-gmb-73-2-259]) activities, as well as low toxicity ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]).

Biologically active compounds have been recognized for their pharmacological properties, but many of them are of limited therapeutic use because of their toxicological, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties ([@b7-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b33-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b53-gmb-73-2-259]). The analysis of genotoxicity is a major aspect of drug development since most pharmaceutical companies evaluate the potential of a new therapeutic agent based on its genotoxicity *in vitro* and *in vivo* ([@b46-gmb-73-2-259]). In this context, the screening of popularly used plants and their isolated components for mutagenic activity is necessary and important for establishing adequate control measures. This screening can also provide insights into the mechanisms involved in the biological effects of plants used as therapeutic agents ([@b57-gmb-73-2-259]).

As far as genotoxicity studies are concerned, the *in vivo* micronucleus (MN) assay in rodent bone marrow is a crucial part of the battery of tests used to identify hazardous mutagens ([@b37-gmb-73-2-259]). This assay is especially suited for assessing mutagenic hazards because it contemplates various factors, such as *in vivo* metabolism, pharmacokinetics and DNA repair mechanisms, even though these processes vary among species and tissues and have different genetic endpoints ([@b40-gmb-73-2-259],[@b41-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b47-gmb-73-2-259]). Since bone marrow erythroblasts develop into polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), *i.e.*, cells generated by extrusion of the main nucleus, micronuclei may remain in an otherwise anucleated cytoplasm. Consequently, the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) has been the principal endpoint for MN assays. The measurement of MNPCEs in peripheral blood is possible in any species in which the spleen does not remove micronucleated erythrocytes, or that is sufficiently sensitive to agents that cause structural or numerical chromosomal aberrations. An increase in the frequency of MNPCEs in treated animals, *i.e.*, a positive result, indicates that a substance can cause the formation of micronuclei through chromosomal damage or damage to the mitotic apparatus of erythroblasts. On the other hand, a negative result implies that the test substance does not cause micro-nucleus formation in immature erythrocytes. The number of normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs) in peripheral blood that contain micronuclei for a given number of mature erythrocytes can also be used as the endpoint of this assay ([@b42-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b47-gmb-73-2-259]). Several studies have used the mammalian *in vivo* MN assay to understand the mutagenic effects induced by phytotherapeutics and foods ([@b27-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b58-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b14-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b52-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b5-gmb-73-2-259]).

Although several studies have examined the potential therapeutic effectiveness of *Z. joazeiro* Mart., there has been no systematic investigation of the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of this plant. In this work, we examined the mutagenic effects of a glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark as part of a wider study on the genotoxic potential of herbal extracts. The effect of the maximum permissible concentration of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. on the mutagenicity of doxorubicin (DXR) in mouse bone marrow, *i.e.*, its antimutagenic activity, was also examined.

Material and Methods
====================

Raw material and sample preparation
-----------------------------------

A glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* bark (GEZJ) was purchased commercially and stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations (AKSY Comercial Ltda., São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil). Aliquots (1.5 L) of this extract were submitted to solvent removal proceedings by rotary evaporation (40 rpm) (Rotavapor model R-215) coupled to a bath heating system maintained at 50--60 °C (Bath Heating model B-491), a vacuum pump (vacuum of 500 mm Hg; Vacuum Pump V-700 with Automatic Vacuum Controller V-855), a water recirculator (Recirculator Chiller F-100) and an evaporation bottle (Büchi Labortechnik AG, Switzerland). The final product was transferred to a 1 L reaction bottle (SCHOTT^®^ DURAN^®^) and kept at −20 °C for 24 h in order to evaluate the freezing of the final product and the efficacy of solvent evaporation (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) (2010)). Aliquots (40 mL) of this final product were transferred to penicillin-type glass vials (50 mL) and lyophilized (Lyophilizer model Alpha 1-2 LDPlus, Martin Christ Gefriertrocknungsanlagen GmbH, Germany) and the dry mass were measured (Electronic Analytical Balance AUW-220D, Shimadzu Corp., Kyoto, Japan). Aqueous solutions of the lyophilized product were prepared in type 1 water at twice the final concentration, sterilized by filtration (Millipore Corporation, hydrophilic Durapore^®^ PVDF, 0.22 μm, ±47 mm, cat. no. GVWP 047 00) and stored in sterile polypropylene tubes (50 mL) at −70 °C until used.

*In vivo* assays
----------------

Healthy, heterogeneous, young adult male and female Swiss mice (Unib:SW) 7--12 weeks old (pubescent period) weighing 30--40 g (weight variation among mice of each sex was \< 20% of the mean weight) were provided by CEMIB (Centro Multidisciplinar para Investigação Biológica - UNICAMP) and erythrocytes from the bone marrow of these mice were used in the MN assay ([@b16-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b15-gmb-73-2-259]).

Animals of the same sex were housed in polypropylene boxes in an air-conditioned environment to 22 ±3 °C, with a relative air humidity of 50% ±20% and a 12 h light/dark cycle. The mice were fed commercial rodent chow (Purina^®^ Labina, Nestlé Purina Pet Care Company) and water *ad libitum*, and were acclimated to laboratory conditions for seven days prior to use in the experiments. At the end of this period, each mouse was weighed and then received 2 mL of liquid (containing the desired test agent) per 100 g body weight.

All animals were properly identified by numerical markings on their tails to ensure continuity of the records and reliable interpretation of the results throughout the study ([@b42-gmb-73-2-259]). After the period of treatment, the mice were euthanized by inhalation of carbon dioxide in adapted acrylic chambers as described in the Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association panel on euthanasia ([@b11-gmb-73-2-259]). This study was done in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights ([@b54-gmb-73-2-259]), the ethical principles for animal experimentation established by the Brazilian Society of Laboratory Animal Science (SBCAL - *Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência em Animais de Laboratório*), the Brazilian Environmental Crimes Law (Law no. 9.605, February 12, 1998), the Brazilian standards for Didactic-Scientific Practice of Vivisection of Animals (Law no. 6.638, May 8, 1979), and was approved by the Committee for Ethics in Research Involving Animals at UNIFENAS (CEPEAU Protocol no. 04A/2008).

Experimental groups
-------------------

The experimental groups of mice (3 males and 3 females each) were assessed 24 h and 48 h after a single treatment administered by gavage ([Figure 1](#f01){ref-type="fig"}). The mutagenic activity of GEZJ was assessed in mice that received doses of 0.5--2 g.kg^−1^ (groups 7--14) and the antimutagenic activity was assessed in mice that received NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^) +GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) (groups 15 and 16) and DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^)+ GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) (groups 17 and 18). The doses of GEZJ were chosen based on previous acute toxicity experiments in mice that yielded LD~50~ values of 2.0--3.5 g/kg for several plant extracts, including *Z. joazeiro* ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). Negative controls (groups 1 and 2: 150 mM NaCl in type 1 water) and positive controls (groups 3 and 4: 50 mg.kg^−1^ of NEU; groups 5 and 6: 5 mg.kg^−1^ of DXR) were also included as single treatments administered by gavage (NaCl) and intraperitoneally (NEU and DXR) ([@b42-gmb-73-2-259]).

![Experimental protocol for assessing the mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of a glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* bark. T - treatment, E - euthanasia and *n* - number of mice.](gmb-73-2-259-f1){#f01}

Processing of bone marrow
-------------------------

MN assays using bone marrow erythrocytes were done 24 h and 48 h after treatment, using previously described methodology ([@b49-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b60-gmb-73-2-259]). Shortly after euthanasia, the femora were surgically and aseptically removed and the mice were appropriately discarded. Each femur was sectioned at the proximal end and the contents of the spinal canal were washed with 1.5 mL of 150 mM NaCl and transferred to a 15 mL centrifuge tube. This material was resuspended with a Pasteur pipette to ensure a homogenous distribution of bone marrow cells. The suspension was then centrifuged at 1,000 rpm (Bench centrifuge, model NT 810, Nova Técnica Ind. e Com. de Equip. para Laboratório Ltda., Piracicaba, SP, Brazil) for 5 min. The supernatant was discarded and the resulting pellet was resuspended in 500 μL of 150 mM NaCI solution added 4% formaldehyde. The slides (two per animal) were prepared by smearing, dried at room temperature for 24 h and stained with Leishman's eosin methylene blue dye \[pure dye for 3 min followed by diluted dye in distilled water (1:6) for 15 min\] to differentiate polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) from monochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs).

PCEs were observed by light microscopy (Nikon Eclipse E-200 microscope) at a magnification of 1000×, counted (at least 2000 anucleated polychromatic erythrocytes per animal) with the aid of a digital cell counter (Contador Diferencial CCS02, Kacil Indústria e Comércio Ltda., PE, Brazil) and photographed using an 8.1 Megapixel Digital Camera (DC FWL 150). The number of PCEs, the number and frequency of MNPCEs and the ratio of polychromatic to monochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) were determined.

Statistical analysis
--------------------

The data from the MN assay were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a 9×2×2 (treatment × gender × time) factorial scheme followed by multiple comparisons with the Tukey test (α= 0.05). All analyses were done using SAS^®^ version 9.2 computer software.

Results and Discussion
======================

*Ziziphus joazeiro* Mart. has been popularly used to treat dandruff, rheumatism, flu, fever, chronic bronchitis, gastric ulcers, indigestion, heartburn and headaches and to clean teeth ([@b50-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b13-gmb-73-2-259]). In addition, Z. joazeiro has potential antifungal ([@b19-gmb-73-2-259]), antibacterial ([@b50-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b6-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b34-gmb-73-2-259]), antioxidant ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]) and antipyretic ([@b39-gmb-73-2-259]) activities, as well as low toxicity ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). This information partly supports the popular use of Z. joazeiro for certain treatments and agrees with ethnopharmacological studies designed to select plants for bioactivity screening ([@b19-gmb-73-2-259]). In contrast, few studies have examined the mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of *Z. joazeiro* Mart.

In the present study, the number and frequency of MNPCEs and the PCE/NCE ratios in mouse bone marrow were analyzed in mutagenic and antimutagenic assays of a glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* bark ([Table 1](#t01){ref-type="table"} and [Figure 2](#f02){ref-type="fig"}). Analysis of the MNPCEs revealed no significant differences between the 24 h and 48 h results for the negative (NaCl) and positive (DXR and NEU) controls. However, there were significant differences (*p* \< 0.05) between the negative and positive controls at the two time intervals. There were no differences between the negative controls and the treatments with GEJZ (0.5--2 g.kg^−1^) or with GEJZ (2 g.kg^−1^) + DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^): these responses showed no dose or time dependence, but varied between male and female mice. Mice treated with GEJZ (2 g.kg^−1^) + NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^) had intermediate values (*n* and %) that differed significantly from the negative and positive controls. These results suggest absence of mutagenicity (clastogenicity and/or aneugenicity) for GEZJ, regardless of the extract dose and time interval, although the responses varied between sexes. In contrast, GEJZ (2 g.kg^−1^) showed anti-mutagenic activity (anticlastogeny and/or antianeugeny) towards the chemotherapeutic agent DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^) or NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^), regardless of the time interval, although once again intersex variation was observed. These findings indicate that compounds in GEZJ can act against DXR-induced mutagenic effects in mouse bone marrow. Such compounds could include *n*-alkanes, triterpenoids \[*i.e.*, betulinic acid, alphitolic acid, ursolic acid, ester derivatives of betulinic acid such as 7β-(4-hydroxy-benzoyloxy)-betulinic acid, 7β-(4-hydro-3-methoxy-benzoyloxy)-betulinic acid and 27-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoyloxy)-betulinic acid\] ([@b43-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b50-gmb-73-2-259]) and saponins ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). DXR has been reported to induce micronuclei, chromatid and chromosomal aberrations, and DNA single- and double-strand breaks *in vitro* and *in vivo* ([@b10-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b3-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b4-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b21-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b29-gmb-73-2-259], [@b30-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b51-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b22-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b28-gmb-73-2-259]). In addition, the major acute toxicity induced by DXR is bone marrow suppression, while the long-term clinical usefulness is limited by a cumulative, dose-dependent, irreversible, chronic cardiotoxicity that manifests itself as congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy ([@b55-gmb-73-2-259], [@b56-gmb-73-2-259]).

###### 

MNPCE frequencies and PCE/NCE ratios in mouse bone marrow in mutagenic and antimutagenic assays of *Z. joazeiro* bark.

  Treatment                                                                        Number of PCEs analyzed   MNPCEs ^\*^   PCE / (PCE + NCE) ^\*\*^   NCE (*n*)                                                                                      
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------- -------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------- --------
  150 mM NaCl                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  F~1~                                                                             2095                      2097          7                          10           0.33              0.48              1.00              1.00              5         3
  F~2~                                                                             2094                      2095          9                          10           0.43              0.48              1.00              1.00              6         5
  F~3~                                                                             2087                      2089          11                         8            0.53              0.38              0.99              0.99              13        11
  ∑ F                                                                              ∑ 6276                    ∑ 6281        ∑ 27                       ∑ 28         0.43 ±0.10        0.45±0.05         1.00±0.00         1.00±0.00         ∑ 24      ∑ 19
  M~1~                                                                             2095                      2088          9                          13           0.43              0.62              1.00              0.99              5         12
  M~2~                                                                             2055                      2088          12                         11           0.58              0.53              0.98              0.99              45        12
  M~3~                                                                             2058                      2084          7                          11           0.34              0.53              0.98              0.99              42        16
  ∑ M                                                                              ∑ 6208                    ∑ 6260        ∑ 28                       ∑ 35         0.45±0.12         0.56±0.06         0.99±0.01         0.99±0.00         ∑ 92      ∑ 40
  ∑                                                                                ∑ 12484                   ∑ 12541       ∑ 55 ^A^                   ∑ 63 ^A^     0.44±0.08 ^A'^    0.50±0.06 ^A'^    0.99±0.01 ^A"^    1.00±0.00 ^A"^    ∑ 116     ∑ 59
  N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU, 50 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                                          
  F~1~                                                                             2148                      2075          38                         36           1.77              1.73              0.49              0.65              2252      1125
  F~2~                                                                             1884                      2032          32                         34           1.70              1.67              0.54              0.81              1616      468
  F~3~                                                                             2002                      1948          15                         31           0.75              1.59              0.61              0.93              1298      152
  ∑ F                                                                              ∑ 6034                    ∑ 6055        ∑ 85                       ∑ 101        1.41±0.57         1.67±0.07         0.54±0.06         0.80±0.14         ∑ 5166    ∑ 1745
  M~1~                                                                             2025                      1999          64                         31           3.16              1.55              0.41              0.36              2875      3501
  M~2~                                                                             2028                      1916          105                        40           5.18              2.09              0.51              0.55              1972      1584
  M~3~                                                                             2004                      2069          25                         38           1.25              1.84              0.67              0.65              996       1131
  ∑ M                                                                              ∑ 6057                    ∑ 5984        ∑ 194                      ∑ 109        3.20±1.97         1.83±0.27         0.53±0.13         0.52±0.14         ∑ 5843    ∑ 6216
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12091                   ∑ 12039       ∑ 279 ^C^                  ∑ 210 ^C^    2.30±1.66 ^C'^    1.75±0.18 ^C'^    0.54±0.06 ^D"^    0.66±0.16 ^D"^    ∑ 11009   ∑ 7961
  Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DXR, 5 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  F~1~                                                                             2091                      2017          49                         36           2.34              1.78              0.72              0.96              809       83
  F~2~                                                                             2106                      2077          73                         63           3.47              3.03              0.98              0.99              44        23
  F~3~                                                                             2056                      2092          57                         50           2.77              2.39              0.84              0.95              394       108
  ∑ F                                                                              ∑ 6253                    ∑ 6186        ∑ 179                      ∑ 149        2.86±0.57         2.40±0.62         0.85±0.13         0.97±0.02         1247      214
  M~1~                                                                             2067                      2086          53                         61           2.56              2.92              0.98              0.95              33        114
  M~2~                                                                             2063                      2042          56                         70           2.71              3.43              0.98              0.97              37        58
  M~3~                                                                             2082                      2075          46                         50           2.21              2.41              0.99              0.99              18        25
  ∑ M                                                                              ∑ 6212                    ∑ 6203        ∑ 155                      ∑ 181        2.50±0.26         2.92±0.51         0.99±0.00         0.97±0.02         88        197
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12465                   ∑ 12389       ∑ 334 ^D^                  330 ^D^      2.68±0.42 ^D'^    2.66±0.43 ^D'^    0.92±0.07 ^AB"^   0.97±0.01 ^AB"^   1335      411
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (0.5 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                       
  F~1~                                                                             2051                      2085          8                          8            0.39              0.38              0.77              0.95              620       115
  F~2~                                                                             2082                      2035          4                          8            0.19              0.39              0.94              0.97              129       65
  F~3~                                                                             2083                      2005          11                         2            0.53              0.10              0.94              0.95              134       95
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6216                    ∑ 6125        ∑ 23                       ∑ 18         0.37±0.17         0.29±0.17         0.88±0.10         0.96±0.01         ∑ 883     ∑ 275
  M~1~                                                                             2076                      2060          9                          7            0.43              0.34              0.99              0.98              24        40
  M~2~                                                                             2002                      2046          7                          7            0.35              0.34              0.95              0.97              98        54
  M~3~                                                                             2038                      2071          7                          17           0.34              0.82              0.97              0.99              62        29
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6116                    ∑ 6177        ∑ 23                       ∑ 31         0.38±0.05         0.50±0.28         0.97±0.02         0.98±0.01         ∑ 184     ∑ 123
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12332                   ∑ 12302       ∑ 46 ^A^                   ∑ 49 ^A^     0.37±0.00 ^A'^    0.40±0.15 ^A'^    0.92±0.07 ^AB"^   0.97±0.02 ^AB"^   ∑ 1067    ∑ 398
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (1 g.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                          
  F~1~                                                                             2062                      2047          9                          10           0.44              0.49              0.80              0.89              531       253
  F~2~                                                                             2044                      2053          10                         9            0.49              0.44              0.91              0.93              190       147
  F~3~                                                                             2023                      2067          11                         8            0.54              0.39              0.86              0.94              337       138
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6129                    ∑ 6167        ∑ 30                       ∑ 27         0.49±0.05         0.44±0.05         0.86±0.06         0.92±0.03         ∑ 1058    ∑ 538
  M~1~                                                                             2073                      2014          15                         12           0.72              0.60              0 81              0 92              489       175
  M~2~                                                                             2056                      2032          3                          13           0.15              0.64              0 98              0 95              37        110
  M~3~                                                                             2101                      2075          20                         16           0.95              0.77              0 84              0 97              389       68
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6230                    ∑ 6121        ∑ 38                       ∑ 41         0.61±0.42         0.67±0.09         0 88±0.09         0 95±0.02         ∑ 915     ∑ 353
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12359                   ∑ 12288       ∑ 68 ^A^                   ∑ 68 ^A^     0.55±0.09 ^A'^    0.55±0.16 ^A'^    0.86±0.01 ^BC"^   0.93±0.02 ^BC"^   ∑ 1973    ∑ 891
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (1.5 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                       
  F~1~                                                                             2082                      2041          21                         16           1.01              0.78              0.80              0.84              518       401
  F~2~                                                                             2134                      2107          18                         15           0.84              0.71              0.89              0.80              266       528
  F~3~                                                                             2095                      2075          16                         14           0.76              0.67              0.81              0.91              505       195
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6311                    ∑ 6223        ∑ 55                       ∑ 45         0.87±0.12         0.72±0.06         0.83±0.05         0.85±0.06         ∑ 1289    ∑ 1124
  M~1~                                                                             2045                      2075          12                         27           0.59              1.30              0.82              0.96              455       84
  M~2~                                                                             2125                      2048          14                         16           0.66              0.78              0.86              0.92              352       173
  M~3~                                                                             2108                      2022          16                         8            0.76              0.40              0.85              0.69              374       928
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6278                    ∑ 6145        ∑ 42                       ∑ 51         0.67 0.09         0.83 0.45         0.84 0.02         0.84 0.15         ∑ 1181    ∑ 1185
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12589                   ∑ 12368       ∑ 97 ^AB^                  ∑ 96 ^AB^    0.77±0.14 ^AB'^   0.78±0.08 ^AB'^   0.84±0.01 ^C"^    0.84±0.01 ^C"^    ∑ 2470    ∑ 2309
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (2 g.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                                          
  F~1~                                                                             2032                      2162          21                         14           1.03              0.65              0.69              0.85              922       388
  F~2~                                                                             2173                      2037          17                         23           0.78              1.13              0.93              0.79              176       532
  F~3~                                                                             2020                      2070          18                         18           0.89              0.87              0.84              0.85              387       378
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6225                    ∑ 6269        ∑ 56                       ∑ 55         0.90±0.13         0.88±0.24         0.82±0.12         0.83±0.03         ∑ 1485    ∑ 1298
  M~1~                                                                             2033                      2010          17                         14           0.84              0.70              0.84              0.77              383       590
  M~2~                                                                             2058                      2056          18                         17           0.87              0.83              0.79              0.86              542       344
  M~3~                                                                             2020                      2037          10                         26           0.50              1.28              0.70              0.88              880       277
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6111                    ∑ 6103        ∑ 45                       ∑ 57         0.74±0.21         0.93±0.30         0.78±0.07         0.83±0.06         ∑ 1805    ∑ 1211
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12336                   ∑ 12372       ∑ 101 ^AB^                 ∑ 112 ^AB^   0.82±0.12 ^AB'^   0.91±0.04 ^AB'^   0.79±0.03 ^C"^    0.83±0.00 ^C"^    ∑ 3290    ∑ 2509
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (2 g.kg^−1^) + NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                     
  F~1~                                                                             2052                      2079          31                         24           1.51              1.15              0.93              0.99              148       21
  F~2~                                                                             2072                      2055          26                         16           1.25              0.78              0.99              0.98              28        45
  F~3~                                                                             2071                      2167          23                         16           1.11              0.74              0.99              0.99              29        33
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6195                    ∑ 6301        ∑ 80                       ∑ 56         1.29±0.20         0.89±0.23         0.97±0.03         0.98±0.01         ∑ 205     ∑ 99
  M~1~                                                                             2138                      2241          32                         43           1.50              1.92              0.97              0.90              62        259
  M~2~                                                                             2144                      2103          29                         28           1.35              1.33              0.97              0.73              56        797
  M~3~                                                                             2072                      2076          32                         27           1.54              1.30              0.94              0.99              128       24
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6354                    ∑ 6420        ∑ 93                       ∑ 98         1.46±0.10         1.53±0.35         0.96±0.02         0.86±0.13         ∑ 246     ∑ 1080
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12549                   ∑ 12721       ∑ 173 ^B^                  ∑ 154 ^B^    1.38 ^B'^         1.21 ^B'^         0.97±0.00 ^AB"^   0.92±0.09 ^AB"^   ∑ 451     ∑ 1179
  Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (2 g.kg^−1^) + DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^)                                                                                                                                                                      
  F~1~                                                                             2086                      2090          23                         18           1.10              0.86              0.99              0.99              14        10
  F~2~                                                                             2080                      2100          23                         20           1.11              0.95              0.99              1.00              20        1
  F~3~                                                                             2080                      2075          21                         17           1.01              0.82              0.99              0.99              20        24
  ∑ F ^A\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6246                    ∑ 6265        ∑ 67                       ∑ 55         1.07±0.05         0.88±0.07         0.99±0.00         0.99±0.01         ∑ 54      ∑ 35
  M~1~                                                                             2086                      2088          24                         12           1.15              0.57              0.99              0.99              14        12
  M~2~                                                                             2083                      2076          15                         18           0.72              0.87              0.99              0.99              17        24
  M~3~                                                                             2065                      2096          17                         14           0.82              0.67              0.98              1.00              35        4
  ∑ M ^B\*\ A\*\*^                                                                 ∑ 6234                    ∑ 6260        ∑ 56                       ∑ 44         0.90±0.22         0.70±0.15         0.99±0.01         0.99±0.00         ∑ 66      ∑ 40
  ∑ M and F                                                                        ∑ 12480                   ∑ 12525       ∑ 123 ^AB^                 ∑ 99 ^AB^    0.99±0.12 ^AB'^   0.79±0.12 ^AB'^   0.99±0.00 ^A"^    0.99±0.00 ^A"^    ∑ 120     ∑ 75

Means with different letters are significantly different (p \< 0.05). M: Male. F: Female.

![Box-plots showing the MNPCE frequencies and PCE/NCE ratios in mouse bone marrow in mutagenic and antimutagenic assays of *Z. joazeiro* bark. Means with different letters are significantly different (p \< 0.05). NaCl - control group treated with 150 mM NaCl, NEU - N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (50 mg.kg^−1^), DXR - doxorubicin hydrochloride (5 mg.kg^−1^), GEZJ - Glycolic extract of *Z. joazeiro* Mart. bark (0.5--2 g.kg^−1^), GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) + NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^) and GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) + DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^).](gmb-73-2-259-f2){#f02}

For the PCE/NCE ratio, there were no significant differences between the negative controls (NaCl), the positive control DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^), the GEZJ (0.5 mg.kg^−1^) group, and mice treated with GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) + NEU (50 mg.kg^−1^) or with GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) + DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^) ([Table 1](#t01){ref-type="table"} and [Figure 1](#f01){ref-type="fig"}). For the treatments with GEZJ, there was a significant difference between the dose of 500 mg.kg^−1^ and the doses of 1.5 g.kg^−1^ and 2 g.kg^−1^. Although there were no significant intersex differences, the responses did vary with time (24 h *vs.* 48 h). Lower doses of GEZJ (0.5--1 g.kg^−1^) were not toxic to bone marrow compared to higher doses (1.5--2 g.kg^−1^), regardless of sex, but varied between time intervals. Thus, the PCE/NCE ratio at higher doses was significantly lower than observed in positive the controls treated with NEU. These results suggest the absence of systemic toxicity at GEZJ doses of 0.5--1 g.kg^−1^ and moderate toxicity at doses of 1.5--2 g.kg^−1^, regardless of mouse gender, with variable responses over time (24--48 h). Whereas treatment with GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) + DXR (5 mg.kg^−1^) significantly reduced the MNPCEs (*n* and %), there was a significant increase in the PCE/NCE ratio with this same treatment, indicating that this combination was not toxic to mouse bone marrow. These results also suggest that the phytochemical compounds responsible for the moderate toxicity (altered PCE/NCE ratio) of GEZJ (2 g.kg^−1^) in bone marrow may also have an important role in attenuating the mutagenicity (*n* and % of MNPCE) of DRX (5 mg.kg^−1^).

The acute toxicity of different plant extracts, including *Z. joazeiro*, has previously been based on doses (1 to 4 or 5 g/kg) administered orally to different groups of mice (one dose per mouse, with each group containing eight animals: four males and four females) ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). Behavioral parameters, including convulsion, hyperactivity, sedation, grooming, loss of righting reflex, increased or decreased respiration, and changes in food and water intake were also noted. These animals were observed and weighed over a period of 14 days; no weight loss was detected. Treated mice showed no behavioral alterations and the extract LD~50~ values ranged from 2.0--3.5 g/kg. None of the extracts was lethal to mice at the doses tested and the data from the *in vivo* assays indicated that the extracts had low toxicity ([@b6-gmb-73-2-259]). The data from the MN as-says presented here provides additional information on the systemic toxicity of *Z. joazeiro* in mouse bone marrow based on the PCE/NCE ratio that suggested moderate toxicity of GEZJ at doses of 1.5--2 g.kg^−1^ that was independent of mouse gender but varied with time (24--48 h).

The PCE/NCE ratio is an indicator of the acceleration or inhibition of erythropoiesis and varies with the scoring interval. A continuous decline in the PCE/NCE ratio may reflect the inhibition of cell division, the killing of erythroblasts, the removal of damaged cells, or dilution of the existing cell pool with newly formed cells ([@b58-gmb-73-2-259]). Several mechanisms may contribute to the cytotoxicity of DXR and MN induction ([@b24-gmb-73-2-259]), including the intercalation of DXR in cellular DNA ([@b44-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b31-gmb-73-2-259]), stabilization of the topoisomerase II-DNA complex ([@b45-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b25-gmb-73-2-259]), free radical-mediated toxicity caused by redox cycling of the semiquinone radical ([@b8-gmb-73-2-259]), or the formation of reactive oxygen species by the DXR-iron complex ([@b23-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b38-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b32-gmb-73-2-259]). On the other hand, chemicals such as captopril and desferrioxamine ([@b3-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b4-gmb-73-2-259]), βcarotene and vitamins A, C and E ([@b35-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b26-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b17-gmb-73-2-259]), thiol N-acetylcysteine, probucol, lovastatin and hydrophilic flavonoids such as rutin and luteolin ([@b2-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b48-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b20-gmb-73-2-259]; [@b9-gmb-73-2-259]) can also reduce DXR-induced MN formation, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. However, proponents of herbal medicine always claim that mixtures are better than pure chemicals because the dozens of biologically active compounds in plants work together to produce a greater effect than any one chemical on its own ([@b36-gmb-73-2-259]).

Screening for newer pharmacological agents that can protect normal cells against DXR-induced cumulative toxicity is essential. Many plants widely used in traditional medicine are less toxic than pharmaceutical agents and have recently attracted the attention of researchers around the world. Plants contain many compounds and it is likely that these can provide better protection than a single molecule ([@b59-gmb-73-2-259]). The presence of many molecules in plants may be advantageous, as some of them may counteract the toxicity of others so that the net effect may be therapeutically beneficial. For example, the effect of various concentrations (200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 mg/kg body weight) of *Aegle marmelos* on DXR-induced mutagenicity in mouse bone marrow was studied ([@b58-gmb-73-2-259]). Mice treated with different concentrations of DXR (5, 10 or 15 mg.kg^−1^ body weight) showed a dose-dependent elevation in the frequency of PCE and NCE in their bone marrow, and this was accompanied by a DXR-mediated dose-dependent decline in the PCE/NCE ratio. In contrast, the treatment of mice with *A. marmelos* orally once a day for five consecutive days before treatment with DXR significantly reduced the frequency of DXR-induced micronuclei and significantly increased the PCE/NCE ratio at all time intervals. This chemoprotective effect may reflect the sum of interactions between different components of this complex mixture. The degree of protection may depend on the individual or collective interaction of components with the genotoxic agent. The plausible mechanisms of action of *A. marmelos* in protecting against DXR-induced damage included the scavenging of O~2~^•−^, ^•^OH and other free radicals, an increase in antioxidant status, restoration of topoisomerase II activity and inhibition of the formation of the DXR-iron complex ([@b58-gmb-73-2-259]). More recently, [@b5-gmb-73-2-259] evaluated the genotoxic potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of *Copaifera lansdorffii* Desf. leaves and its influence on the genotoxicity of DXR (MN test) in peripheral blood from Swiss mice. Their finidngs demonstrated that *C. lansdorffii* Desf. was not genotoxic but that the extract significantly reduced the number of micronuclei in DXR-treated mice. The putative antioxidant activity of one or more of the active compounds of *C. lansdorffii* Desf., including two major flavonoid heterosides (quercitrin and afzelin), may explain the effect of this plant on DXR genotoxicity.

Conclusions
===========

This study used the MN assay to evaluate the mutagenic (clastogeny and/or aneugeny) and antimutagenic activity of an extract of *Z. joazeiro* bark in mouse bone marrow. The *Z. joazeiro* bark extract was not mutagenic at the doses and time intervals tested, although sex-related variation was observed. The antimutagenic effect (anticlastogeny and/or antianeugeny) of *Z. joazeiro* bark extract against DXR-induced genotoxicity was observed at a high dose of extract (2 g.kg^−1^), but was independent of the duration of treatment and animal sex. Low concentrations of GEZJ (0.5--1 g.kg^−1^) were not toxic, regardless of mouse gender and duration of treatment, whereas moderate toxicity was observed at doses of 1.5--2 g.kg^−1^. Together, these findings indicate that phytochemical compounds in *Z. joazeiro* bark can attenuate DRX-induced mutagenicity and that a high dose of extract (2 g.kg^−1^) showed no toxicity in the conditions tested here.

Other studies on the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of *Z. joazeiro* extracts are needed to characterize the (anti)genotoxic effects and mechanisms, and to determine the potential health risks of this extract in humans. Such investigations will be useful for implementing strategies related to the use of *Z. joazeiro* bark in chemoprevention.

This research was supported by Rede Mineira de Ensaios Toxicológicos e Farmacológicos de Produtos Terapêuticos (REDE MINEIRA TOXIFAR - 2012) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG).

Associate Editor: Daisy Maria Fávero Salvadori
