Sesquiterpene lactones: Adverse health effects and toxicity mechanisms

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

M. Helena R. Amorim (Author) Other; Rui M. Gil da Costa (Author) FEUP; Carlos Lopes (Author) Other; Margarida M. S. M. Bastos (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Critical Reviews in Toxicology

Vol. 43 No. 7

Pages: 559-579

ISSN: 1040-8444

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 59 Citations

Scopus - 87 Citations

Associated Projects

UI0511 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2013-2014

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-8TT

DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.813905

Abstract (EN): Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) present a wide range of biological activities, mostly based on their alkylating capabilities, which underlie their therapeutic potential. These compounds are the active constituents of a variety of plants, frequently used as herbal remedies. STLs such as artemisinin and its derivatives are in use as first-line antimalarials while others, such as parthenolide, have recently reached cancer clinical trials. However, the toxicological profile of these compounds must be thoroughly characterized, since the same properties that make STL useful medicines can also cause severe toxicity. STL-containing plants have long been known to induce a contact dermatitis in exposed farm workers, and also to cause several toxic syndromes in farm animals. More recently, concerns are been raised regarding the genotoxic potential of these compounds and the embryotoxicity of artemisinins. A growing number of STLs are being reported to be mutagenic in different in vitro and in vivo assays. As yet no systematic studies have been published, but the genotoxicity of STLs seems to depend not so much on direct DNA alkylation as on oxidative DNA damage and other partially elucidated mechanisms. As the medicinal use of these compounds increases, further studies of their toxic potential are needed, especially those focusing on the structural determinants of genotoxicity and embryotoxicity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 21