Metabolomic Profiling and In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Effects of Staphylea pinnata L. Extract from Italian Flora

Staphylea pinnata L., (S. pinnata), has long been recognized in Europe as both a wild food source and a traditional medicinal. This study aimed to characterize the metabolomic profile of the leaf extract of S. pinnata and assess its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects in vitro for the first time. The methanolic extract of the leaves was analyzed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). To evaluate its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic properties, the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay was performed on Chinese hamster ovarian K1 cells. The analysis revealed a wide variety of metabolites in the extract, with B-type procyanidins and prodelphinidins being the most abundant. The genotoxicity of the extract varied depending on its concentration; at the lowest concentration (75 mu g/mL), it showed no genotoxic effects and exhibited antigenotoxic properties by reducing the frequency of micronuclei induced by mitomycin C. However, at the highest concentration (300 mu g/mL), the extract demonstrated genotoxic effects. In conclusion, the S. pinnata extract displayed both genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties, which may be attributed to its phytochemical composition. These findings highlight the complex nature of the plant's bioactive compounds, suggesting potential therapeutic applications with careful consideration of dosage. Additional research is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying these properties.