Protection of DNA during oxidative stress and cytotoxic potential of Artemisia absinthium

Medicinal plants are rich in secondary metabolites (alkoloids, glycosides, coumarins, flavonides, steroids, etc.) and considered to be more effective and a safer alternative source to manage a variety of diseases related to liver, heart and kidney disordered. This study determines in vitro antioxidant and in vivo toxicological profile including hemolytic, brine shrimp lethality and mutagenicity of aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium. DNA protection assay was performed on pUC19 plasmid vector using H2O2 as oxidative agent. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric methods. Toxicity of the plant was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality, hemolytic and mutagenic activity. DNA protection assay of the plant showed concentration dependent protective effect and at concentration 10µL/mL revealed complete protective effect against H2O2 induced DNA damage. Highest phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 167.3 (mg GAE 100g DW-1) and 14 (mg CE 100g DW-1) respectively. Results showed that A. absinthium is potent against standard toxicological procedures, that indicates the presence of bioactive components in the plant and possess antioxidant activity that protects DNA against H2O2 induced oxidative damage. Thus the results showed/support that A. absinthium provides significant health benefits.