Cytotoxic Potentials of Betel Quid and its Components

Abstract

In this research, it aims to determine the potential cytotoxic effects of the betel quid, areca nut, betel leaf and slaked lime extracts using Allium cepaassay through evaluating the root length, chromosome aberration and mitotic index. A series of Allium cepabulbs were exposed to varying concentrations together with a known mutagen, colchicine. The treatment groups consist of: 100% and 50% of the betel quid and its components. After 48 hours of exposure, the root tips from the different treatments were processed for cytological studies by aceto-orcein squash technique. The cytotoxic effects of betel quid and its components observed in Alliumcepa root tips showed growth retardation in terms of root length in high concentration. There was a decrease in mitotic index percentage with increasing concentrations. The betel quid and components-induced chromosome aberrations were statistically significant (p<0.05). The result from the cytotoxicity study data revealed that the extracts of the betel quid and its components inhibited the growth of the Allium cepa roots and has potent cytotoxic effects.