Resumen:
Anagallis arvensis L. and Anagallis foemina Mill. (Primulaceae) have been used in Navarra (Spain) as wound healing remedies within a context of traditional medicine. The species have previously demonstrated antimicrobial and COX-inhibiting properties. Cytotoxic effects of the plants have never been established though they are popularly known to be toxic at high doses and/or long term oral administration. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in PC12 and DHD/K12PROb cells using spectrophotometric methods such as the MTT and LDH assays. Both plants reduced cell survival and induced cell damage (LDH release) in a dose-dependent manner, PC12 cells being more sensitive to the extracts than DHD/K12PROb cells. Methanol extracts were significantly more cytotoxic and doses over 80 ¿g/ml reduced cell survival above 50%. Results suggest that these plants may be responsible for the toxic effects that have been described in traditional medicine.
