AbstractSymphytum officinaleL. (Boraginaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in therapy. Its roots, described in thePolish Pharmacopoeia1asRadix symphyti, are recommended as expectorants, especially for children. Aqueous solutions of three alkaloid fractions obtained from infusions ofSymphytum officinaleL. root were tested for their antimitotic and mutagenic activity in meristematic cells of the lateral roots ofVicia fabaL., varminor. Lasiocarpine, a proven carcinogen, served as a positive control. Mutagenic effects were induced by lasiocarpine, by the alkaloidal fraction I and by diluted infusions fromRadix symphyti. Fraction III had only antimitotic effect. The biological activity of the tested solutions is discussed in relation to the relevant literature.
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