Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a prevalent inflammatory disease worldwide, characterized by the destruction of periodontal tissue due to an immune response triggered by periodontopathogenic bacteria and the prolonged release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excess ROS leads to tissue damage through mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative and genotoxic damage by quantifying 8-hydroxy-2-deoxiguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in individuals with CP. Methods: The participants were divided into a CP group (n = 30) and a control group without CP (n = 30). Saliva was collected to quantify 8-OHdG (via ELISA) and MDA (via spectrophotometry). Buccal mucosa samples were collected to assess NAs. Periodontal parameters, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were recorded. Results: The levels of 8-OHdG and MDA were significantly higher in the CP group. NAs were also significantly increased. Positive correlations were observed between 8-OHdG, MDA levels and NAs with clinical parameters. Conclusions: The elevated levels of 8-OHdG, MDA and NAs reflect oxidative and genotoxic damage correlated with CP severity. These biomarkers could complement diagnosis, monitor progression, and assess treatment efficacy. Their elevation may also indicate increased systemic disease risk.

Annona muricata have been extensively used in traditional medicine to treat multiple diseases, including cancers. This study evaluated the genotoxic potential and antigenotoxic activities of A. muricata aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts by employing an in vivo erythrocyte rodent micronucleus assay. Different doses (187.5, 375, and 750 mg/kg) of both extracts were administered orally for 5 days alone and combined with cyclophosphamide (CP, 60 mg/kg) to BALB/c mice. Also, it was administered orally to Wistar rats for 5 days through the final stage of gestation. No genotoxic or cytotoxic effects were observed in the two adult rodent models when A. muricata was administered orally nor in newborn rats transplacentally exposed to the extracts. Moreover, A. muricata aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts demonstrated a protective effect against CP‐induced DNA damage. Due to its lack of genotoxic effect and its capacity to decrease DNA damage, A. muricata is likely to open an interest field regarding its potential safe use in clinical applications.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) is a tropical plant with a wide range of therapeutic properties; however, few studies have evaluated its potential adverse effects. In the present study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Hs (EHHs) dried calyces administered during gestation were assessed in Wistar rats and their newborns using the micronucleus assay in peripheral blood and the quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in various tissues. Three different doses of EHHs (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/Kg) were administered orally to five pregnant Wistar rats per group during the final days of gestation (days 16–20). Blood samples were collected every 24 h during the last six days of gestation and from the neonates at birth, along with tissue samples for MDA quantification. EHHs induced myelosuppression in the mothers and genotoxicity in their newborns, as well as cytotoxicity, evidenced by increased MDA levels in serum, liver, and kidneys of the mothers, and in the liver, kidneys, brain, and muscle tissues of the neonates. These findings provide important insights into the safety profile of Hs, and its use is therefore recommended only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.