The Anti-Mitotic Effects of Annona Muricata Extracts to Allium Cepa Root Meristems

Abstract

Guyabano (Annona muricata) harbors a wide array of bioactive compounds that confer significant therapeutic properties. In an attempt to uncover its anti-cancer properties, we investigated the antimitotic effects of guyabano seed extracts on onion (Allium cepa) root meristems.
 Methods
 The present study utilized the Posttest Only Control Group Design. Onion root meristems were exposed to four distinct concentrations of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of guyabano seeds for 48 hours. For baseline conditions, the negative control group was treated with water whereas the positive control group received methotrexate.
 Results
 Among the various concentrations of guyabano seed extract treatments, the 800mg/100mL concentration exhibited the lowest mean mitotic index (MMI) in both aqueous and ethanolic solutions (40.33±24.50 and 32.00±9.85, respectively). However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the aqueous and ethanolic treatment concentrations when compared to the negative and positive controls (P=0.40).
 Conclusion
 The antimitotic effects of aqueous and ethanolic seed extracts of guyabano on onion root meristems were found to be insignificant. However, the lower MMI of both aqueous and ethanolic concentrations of 800mg/100 mL guyabano compared to positive control (methotrexate) warrants further research to assess the antimitotic effects of guyabano.