Evaluation of in vivo genotoxicity of forskolin by the comet assay

Forskolin, found in the root of the plant Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Lamiaceae), has been consumed due to reports of its therapeutic properties, including use as a supplement for reducing body weight. Since there is little available information on the genotoxicity and/or antigenotoxicity of forskolin, the present study was aimed to assess the in vivo genotoxic activity of forskolin in different concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL of standard food) in somatic cells of third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster using comet assay. A statistically significant increase in the DNA damage was observed in the larvae treated with the 1 mM ethyl methanesulphonate in comparison to the negative control group. Forskolin did not show genotoxic effect at lower concentrations, while at a concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL induced moderate increases in the total comet score when compared with the negative control. Further in vivo studies with other model organisms are needed before definitive conclusions about the absence of genotoxic potential of forskolin.