Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and efficacy evaluation of the quercus infectoria in HepG2 and WRL68 cell lines

Human has relied on plants for centuries as prescription drugs, as a source to cure a wide variety of health problems. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human WRL68 and HepG2 cells was studied by the standardized Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) extract. To determine the cytototoxicity of Q. infectoria extract, a colorimetric method (MTS assay) and a lactated dehydrogenase test (LDH) were used. In order to determine the genotoxicity of Q. Infectoria extract, a single cell gel electrophoresis (comet test) was evaluated. The protection effect of Q. infectoria was also investigated against menadion-induced cytotoxicity. The results of this research show that aqueous extract of Q. Infectoria is relatively safe and could be developed to identify new pharmacological applications. Caution should be taken, however, as a higher dose with 1 mg/mL may cause significant cell death.