Non-Clinical Screening of Cyto-Genotoxicologic Status of Praziquantel Nanoemulsion

Background: Prazequantel (Prz) is an important medication in humans and animals. It acts against a number of pathogens. In this study, Prz nanoemulsion (PrzNE) was prepared and evaluated for toxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic potentials. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic effect of PrzNE was observed in Artemia salina and Allium cepa, while toxicity and mutegenicity in A. cepa test system. Potassium di-chromate (K2Cr2O7) and copper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O) were taken as standards for A. salina and A. cepa test, respectively. Results: PrzNE at 16 μM caused 100% mortality of the brine shripms. It exerted a concentrationdependent toxic and cytotoxic effects in A. cepa and A. salina. In comparison to the CuSO4.5H2O, PrzNE produced less chromosomal aberrations (CA), where chromosomal fragments/loose and bridges were most frequently observed. Conclusion: PrzNE may readily cross the cell membranes of A. cepa and A. salina, increase the permeability of the cell membrane and/or exert an oxidative stress, thus causes a cytotoxic effect. The PrzNE was more cytotoxic than mutagenic in nature.