[Evaluation of cytotoxicity of the essential oil and various extracts of cinnamon and ginger using brine shrimp lethality assay [BSL]]

ABSTRACT

The bark of Cinnamon [Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume.] and rhizome of Ginger [Zingiber officinale Rosc.] have been widely used as spice in Iranian diets. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of cytotoxicity of the essential oil and various extracts of these two plants using Brine shrimp lethality assay [BSL]. The plants were prepared from a local market and their scientific names were confirmed with microscopic analysis. The essential oils and various extracts in increasing polarity order were prepared with hydro distillation and percolation method respectively. The cytotoxicity of all fractions was evaluated using BSL method in 10, 100 and 1000 micro g/ml concentrations. Results were analyzed using software of probit analysis. Chloroform, essential oil and ether extracts of cinnamon with LC50= 9, 10 and 18 micro g/ml respectively] and essential oil, petroleum ether, methanol and chloroform extracts of Ginger with LC 50=0.03, 4.03, 7.9 and 8.89 micro g/ml exhibited the most cytotoxicity in comparing to potassium dichromate [LC50= 27.75 micro g/ml]. All of the fractions from the bark of Cinnamon and rhizome of Ginger exhibited high cytotoxicity. However it is needed more separation and identification of active components on the basis of this biological activity. If these results would confirm with the other bioassays, it is suggested to make safety recommendations for daily consumption of these two plants