Cytotoxicity evaluation of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe fluid extract used in oral hygiene products

Abstract

Objective. This in vitro study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe (popular name: zedoary) fluid extract, as used in preparations for oral hygiene, mostly for anti-septic purposes. Materials and methods. The cell viability and cell growth were assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay using the LMF cell line derived from oral mucosa. Cell viability (short-term assay) was measured 0, 6, 12 and 24 h after contact with the fluid extract. Cell growth (long-term assay) was analyzed in 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The experimental groups were those testing the fluid extract obtained from the zedoary rhizome and the extractor liquid (ethanol 70° GL) in the concentrations of 0.01–0.0001% v/v. Fresh DMEM were used in the control cultures. Results. Short-term assay—all studied cultures maintained stable cell viability; Long-term assay—there was progressive cell growth in all studied cultures. Conclusion. According to the results, the zedoary fluid extract presents low cytotoxicity and probably can be used in the oral hygiene products.

Key Words::

• cell culture
• cytotoxicity
• zedoary
• vegetal extract

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo) for the scholarship to J.P.S. Fernandes.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.