Effect of Achyrocline satureioides (Marcela) infusion/tea on the modulation of Rotenone-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

Resumo

INTRODUCTION: Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC (AS), commonly known as "marcela," is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal discomfort and as a calming agent. Its inflorescences are frequently incorporated into pillows with the purpose of reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Despite its widespread use, the effects of marcela infusion on human neural cells remain poorly understood. Rotenone, a pesticide that inhibits mitochondrial complex I, is commonly used in experimental models to induce oxidative damage in neural cells, thereby mimicking pathological conditions such as mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of AS infusion on oxidative stress markers and genotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to rotenone.METHODOLOGY: The infusion was prepared following traditional practices and the guidelines of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured under standardized conditions and exposed to rotenone (30 nM) for 24 hours. Subsequently, the cells were treated with different concentrations of AS infusion (5, 100, and 300 µL/mL) for 72 hours. Protein carbonylation was quantified by spectrophotometry, lipid peroxidation was assessed using the TBARS assay, and genotoxicity was evaluated by micronucleus (MN) detection using DAPI staining (100 µg/mL). Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.RESULTS: Exposure to rotenone significantly increased protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and the presence of MN compared to control cells. However, treatment with AS at concentrations of 5 and 100 µL/mL significantly reduced protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation levels, while the 300 µL/mL concentration showed no significant effect. Micronucleus analysis revealed that AS infusion markedly reduced MN formation, suggesting a protective effect against the genotoxic action of rotenone.CONCLUSION: A. satureioides infusion exhibited cytoprotective effects against rotenone-induced oxidative and genotoxic damage in human neural cells. These findings support its potential as an adjuvant phytotherapeutic agent in strategies aimed at preventing cellular toxicity associated with oxidative stress. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and to establish safety and efficacy profiles.