da Silva, Andressa Tassinari, Avila, Daiana Silva, Rodrigues, Cristiane Freitas, Puntel, Robson Luiz, Paim, Clesio Soldatelli, Porto, Douglas, PILISSAO, LUIZ EDUARDO, Denardin, Cristiane Casagrande, Brabo, Gabriela Rossi
[
International Worm Meeting,
2021]
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances. However, there are few scientific evidences validating this use or assuring extract safety. Aim of the study: Hence, in this study we tested the reproduction safety of this extract in Caenorhabditis elegans. Materials and Methods: Root maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240 and 330 mug/mul), based on human consumption of 1g capsules of the same powder. 48h after treatments, assays were conducted. Results: Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm from. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels and also vitellogenin-2 expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have detected and quantified alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Conclusions: Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms which could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production, and consequently, successful reproduction.