In vitro assessment of genotoxic and oxidative effects potentials of edible bamboo worms and weaver ants

Abstract :

In the present study we have assessed the genotoxic and oxidative effects of water soluble extracts of Bamboo Worms, Omphisa fuscidentalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and Weaver Ants, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), on cultured human blood cells. The extracts were added to the cultures at 12 different concentrations (0-2000 ppm). Micronucleus (MN) test was used to monitor the DNA and chromosomal damage produced by aqueous extracts in vitro. In addition, to assess the oxidative effects, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were also measured. Our results indicated that these extracts did not show genotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. However, the extracts caused dose dependent alterations in both TAC and TOS levels. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the studied insects can be consumed safely, but it is necessary to consider the cellular damages which are likely to appear depending on oxidative stress at higher concentrations. It has been also suggested that this in vitro approach for oxidative and genotoxicity assessments may be useful to evaluate the potential health risks of edible insects.


Keyword :

Edible insects, genotoxicity, oxidative status


Author(s) : Koç, K., İncekara, Ü., Türkez, H., Çelik, K.
Downloads : 357
Published Issue : 2019 Vol. 14 Number 2


2019 Vol. 14 Number 2