No induction of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells by chrysophanol

Chrysophanol is an anthraquinone which occurs in several herbal drugs, e.g. senna, a commonly used laxative. As there are only limited data on its clastogenic potential we have investigated its capability to cause chromosomal aberrations in the Chinese hamster ovary cell assay. There were no significant increases in chromosomal aberrations when chrysophanol was tested up to its limit of solubility with or without metabolic activation. We conclude that chrysophanol had no clastogenic activity under the conditions described.