A Screening Of Crude Organic Extracts For Mutagenicity Using Repair And Reversion Methods

Abstract

A variety of samples isolated, from four types of sources (sponges, tunicates, algae, and cranberries) was tested for mutagenic effects. Established procedures used for mutagenic detection employed here consisted of a) genetic toxicology on Escherichia coli, b) Ames Spot Test, and c) the Ames Test. Of the twenty-two samples tested, seven showed some level of genetic toxicity on repair tests. Of these seven, three ( 1) a methyl hydroxide extract from the calcareous sponge, Leucetia microraphis, 2) an ethylacetate extract from the leaves of cranberries, and 3) an ether extract from Leucetia microraphis) showed significant or close to significant levels of mutagenicity in reversion studies.