Cytological effects of water extracts of medicinal plants in Egypt. Mitotic disturbances induced by water extract of Cymbopogon proximus (Halfa barr) on vicia faba.

Abstract

The present investigation concerns the influence of the water extract of Cymbopogon proximus (Halfa barr) on the mitosis in roots of Vicia faba. All the used concentrations caused mitotic delay, the action of the long durations was significant. The extract also brought about significant percentage of abnormal dividing cells.The effect of the extract may be determined as pre-prophasic. The number of prophases decreased while metaphase and ana- and telophase increased. The extract induced a number of chromosomal irregularities such as stickiness, disturbacny, lagging chromosomes and bridges.