Lapachol induces clastogenic effects in rats.

Lapachol is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone derivative found in the heartwood of several plants, particularly those of the genus Tabebuia (Bignoneaceae). Despite its use as a therapeutic product with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipsoriatic, trypanocidal effects, among others, its in vivo mutagenic potential has still not been investigated. This paper reports the effects after a single oral administration of lapachol in the in vivo micronucleus (MN) and chromosome aberration (CA) assays.