Mutagenic effects of aqueous extracts of Symphytum officinale L. and of its alkaloidal fractions.

Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in therapy. It roots, described in the Polish Pharmacopoeia as Radix symphyti, are recommended as expectorants, especially for children. Aqueous solutions of three alkaloid fractions obtained from infusions of Symphytum officinale L. root were tested for their antimitotic and mutagenic activity in meristematic cells of the lateral roots of Vicia faba L., var minor. Lasiocarpine, a proven carcinogen, served as a positive control. Mutagenic effects were induced by lasiocarpine, by the alkaloidal fraction I and by diluted infusions from Radix symphyti. Fraction III had only antimitotic effect. The biological activity of the tested solutions is discussed in relation to the relevant literature.