In vitro evalutation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic properties of herbal products from leaves of Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is a woody vine common in tropical areas of Asia, Africa and Australia and it is believed that this plant possesses antiviral, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-oxidants and hypoglycemic properties. Many studies conducted on this plant have actually shown that it has remarkable hypoglycemic and antioxidants properties. However, data in the scientific literature are scarce to definitively assess its safety for humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro, in human-derived cancer cells (HepG2 and K562), the cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities of three extracts of Gymnema sylvestre. The cytotoxicity was assessed by the lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH assay), genotoxicity was evaluated by the comet assay and the ability to induce apoptosis was assessed by the mitochondrial potential assay and the DNA fragmentation assay. Gymnema sylvestre was found to induce a strong hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane in both cell lines; furthermore, Gymnema sylvestre caused DNA damage in HepG2 cells.