Allium Cepa Assay Research Articles

Phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation of essential oils and extracts from Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum (Boiss. & A.Huet) P.H.Davis, an endemic plant from Turkey

Essential oil content of and phenolic compounds flower-fruit, root, and aerial parts of Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum were analysed by GC/MS and LC/MS methods, respectively. Antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities of flower-fruit, root, aerial parts methanol extracts were evaluated. Apiole (35.0%), myristicine (72.2%), and myristicine (15.1%) were found as major compounds of fruit-flower mixture, root, aerial part essential oils, respectively. Hesperidin was found the highest amount in aerial part and flower-fruit extracts with 8904.2621 ng/mL and 11558.3634 ng/mL values, respectively. Fruit-flower extract showed the highest activity against α-glucosidase (24%). Root extract demonstrating the highest activity (18%) against AChE enzyme. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract had a higher % inhibition value on ABTS·+ and DPPH•. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract was rich in total phenol, total tannin, and protein content. All the extracts were determined as genetoxically safe according to the results of Ames/Salmonella, Escherichia coli WP2 and Allium cepa assays.

Phytochemical Analysis and Assessment of Antimicrobial, Genotoxic, and Cytotoxic Properties in Extracts Derived from Alyxia linearis Markgr. (Apocynaceae), a Philippine Endemic Species

The Apocynaceae is a known plant family that is rich in alkaloid, and many of its species were reported to have medicinal significance. An endemic plant from the Philippines, Alyxia linearis Markgr. – which has not yet been investigated for its phytochemistry nor bioactivity – is reported here. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical compounds and evaluate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities of A. linearis. The hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts from the roots, twigs, and leaves were subjected to different tests. The antimicrobial activity of the phytoconstituents was investigated against four bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, and E. coli) and two fungi (Penicillum sp. and A. niger). The antimicrobial analysis showed that among the nine extracts, only two extracts exhibited a partial inhibitory activity against those Gram-positive bacteria used, and only one extract exhibited a fungicidal activity. ATD inhibited the growth of both S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas ARM inhibited only the growth of E. faecalis. Among the nine extracts, only ARD inhibited Penicillum growth. The genotoxicity of the extracts was tested using Allium cepa assay. The semipolar and polar extracts of A. linearis were all genotoxic except 1 ppm ALM. Cytotoxicity of the ALD extract was evaluated using an MTT assay on human dermal fibroblasts neonatal (HDFn). The assessment of cytotoxicity of ALD against HDFn showed an IC50 below 12.5 μg/mL as compared to the IC50 of the doxorubicin, which is 2.89 μg/mL. This indicates that the ALD extract is moderately cytotoxic as compared with doxorubicin. The phytochemical constituents of the A. linearis extracts were classified mainly as phenols, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenes – with a slight occurrence of coumarins, anthraquinones, and anthrones.

Hazard assessment and cytogenotoxic effect of different concentrations of mercury chloride sterilant using the Allium cepa assay

The Allium cepa assay represents a crucial in vivo model for evaluating the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of substances. This study investigated the cytogenotoxicity of mercury chloride (HgCl2), a laboratory disinfectant and catalyst, using the Allium cepa assay. Mitotic slides were prepared from onion root tip cells grown on media supplemented with different concentrations of HgCl2 (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%). The slides were observed to evaluate cytogenotoxicity based on the assessment of the mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, clastogenic effect, and root length. The results showed that the concentrations used are harmful to the cell, leading to adverse impacts on the mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, root growth, and chromosome structure. Different chromosomal aberrations, such as bridge formation, fragmentation fragments, wandering chromosomes, stickiness, binucleate cells, and micronucleus formation, were detected depending on the concentration. Although lower concentrations (0.2–0.4%) had fewer effects on the cells, they still had a significant cytogenotoxic effect (p < 0.05) compared to that of the control (0.0%). The higher the concentration, the greater the effects on clastogenic changes. The abnormalities in both mitotic spread and root growth indicate that mercury chloride is cytotoxic even at low concentrations and can cause mito-depressive effects at higher concentrations. The results of this investigation can be used as a guide to guarantee sufficient safety precautions for people and organs during the regular use of HgCl2.

Anti-mitotic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Thevetia peruviana fruits

Thevetia peruviana plant, a member of the Apocynaceae family, has a long history in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as amenorrhea, malaria, jaundice, hemorrhoids, constipation, headaches, and skin issues. It contains significant amounts of cardiac glycosides in both its roots and seeds, which are known for their cytotoxic effects similar to digoxin. Given its potential toxicity and widespread use, current research is focused on assessing the antimitotic properties of the methanolic extract derived from the fruits of Thevetia peruviana. In the pursuit of potential pharmaceutical findings from plants, the antimitotic properties of the extracts were investigated through the Allium cepa assay. The findings indicated a noteworthy decrease in the mitotic index of root tips compared to the control, with the degree of mitotic suppression escalating alongside the concentration of the extracts. Therefore, the study suggests that the methanol extract derived from T. peruviana fruit has notable inhibitory and mitodepressive impacts on cell division in Allium cepa L. meristems. Keywords: Thebetia peruviana, Anti-mitotic Activity, Allium cepa assay, mitotic index

Application of microscopy and spectroscopy in investigating anti-cancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves.

The genus Achyranthes belong to the family Amaranthaceae which constitutes an important group of herbs and shrubs with immense medicinal value. The present research work was conducted to investigate the anticancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves by focusing on the antioxidant, aniproliferative and antimitotic activities of leaf extracts. Plant extraction was carried out by soxhelt method with different solvents. Phytochemical characterization of the plants extracts using chemical methods identified the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. Alkaloid was present in methanolic and ethanolic extract. High performance liquid chromatography showed presence of different concentration of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol in different extracts with the highest concentration of myricetin (84.53 μg/mL) in n-butanolic extract. The extracts were then tested for antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay by spectrophotometric method. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, antioxidant activity of A. aspera ranged between 79.78 ± 0.034% and 58.63 ± 0.069%. Highest antioxidant activity was observed for methanolic extract and lowest for acetone. Antimitotic activity was determined by using Allium cepa assay in which microscopic investigation was carried out to observe normal and abnormal phases of mitosis. In this assay, n-butanolic extract had highest antimitotic activity with minimum mitotic index at 2 mg/mL (57 ± 0.0351%). The plant extracts also caused chromosomal and mitotic aberrations which were clearly observed under 40× and 100× magnification of compound microscope. Antiproliferative activity was determined by using yeast cell model in which light microscope with hemocytometer was used for cell counting. In case of Antiproliferative activity, the ethyl acetate extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lowest cell viability (22.14 ± 0.076%) at highest extract concentration (2 mg/mL) while methanol extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lower cell viability (24.24 ± 0.057%) at lowest extract concentration (0.25 mg/mL). The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti-cancer agent. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achyranthes aspera L. leaves have various phytochemicals which contribute to its medicinal properties Various extracts of the leaves of A. aspera L. possess antioxidant, antimitotic and antiproliferative potential The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti-cancer agent.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook.) Tronc. using Allium cepa L. assay

IntroductionAloysia gratissima presents a series of preclinical studies that show several activities related to its popular use. But as other species, undesirable effects can be triggered by its indiscriminate use. MethodologyThe objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of different types of A. gratissima extracts (hydroalcoholic – HE and aqueous – AE), chemically characterizing them in a broad way. Chemical characterization was performed by using HPLC-PDA-MS and facilitated using liquid-liquid fractionation, and the Allium cepa assay was used to assess the genotoxic potential of HE and AE. The number of dividing cells and mitotic index were evaluated, in addition to the number of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities. ResultsFor both extracts (HE and AE) there was a decrease in the number of dividing cells and in the percentage of mitotic index with increasing concentrations, indicating cytotoxicity. There was also an increase in the number of nuclear abnormalities for the highest concentrations. Among the genotoxic effects of HE and AE, the following nuclear abnormalities can be mentioned: c-mitosis, stickiness, vagrant chromosomes, among others can be mentioned. However, analyzes show that HE has a greater genotoxic effect, which may be related to the higher concentration of metabolites found in this type of extraction, such as rutin, verbascoside and chlorogenic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids. ConclusionIt is verified that the extraction method influences the concentration of metabolites in A. gratissima and its genotoxic effects. It is therefore suggested to consume it in a controlled manner.

Pelargonium graveolens L., (Geranium) essential oil from Northeast India: chemical composition, pharmacology and genotoxicity study

Pelargonium graveolens L., essential oil (EO) has various therapeutic properties, including aromatherapy. The present experiment was designed to investigate chemical makeup of the P. graveolens (Geranium) EO from Northeast India using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and the pharmacological potential was determined using a range of assays along with Allium cepa assay for genotoxicity study. GC-MS analysis of the EO revealed the presence of 11 compounds with a total 97.43% identified area, with citronellol (32.84%), geraniol (23.62%), and citronellyl formate (12.14%) as the major compounds. The essential oil exhibited type-II anti-diabetic properties with an IC50 6.66 μL/mL and skin whitening potential IC50 of 1.89 μL/mL. P. graveolens EO (IC50 26.16 μL/mL) was found to possess comparatively weaker anti-inflammatory agent than the standard diclofenac (IC50 9.24 μL/mL) in the protease inhibitory test. The EO demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 22.68 μL/mL than ascorbic acid IC50 12.53 μL/mL in the ABTS assay. The EO was found to moderately affect the mitotic index (15.32%) and induce chromosomal aberrations (11.40%) at a concentration of 1 μL/mL after 72 h of exposure. Based on the findings the Northeast Indian variety of P. graveolens EO exhibits promising type-II anti-diabetic and skin whitening properties, which could be further utilized in the formulation of anti-diabetic and skin whitening agents after validation through clinical trials.

Anticancer activity of ex vitro established Achillea thracica Velen. water extracts

Ex situ conservation of Bulgarian endemic species Achillea thracica offers a chance for development of a new antitumor drug. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of water extracts of ex vitro established A. thracica grown in Bulgaria against fibrosarcoma cells. Our preliminary study determined the cytotoxicity of hot and cold water extracts using Triticum root elongation test and Allium cepa assay. In vitro cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity of hot extract (HE) were estimated using HT1080 cell line fibrosarcoma cells. The change in the cell number, the cell viability, and the cell population growth determined cytotoxicity. The pro-apoptotic activity was assessed by the score of cell nuclei with morphological changes. The result of the root elongation test showed that the HEs exerted a stronger inhibitory effect than the cold extracts (CEs). Respectively, the EC50 value of the hot water extract is 9.85 g/l and of the CE – 12.71 g/l. The extracts tested at a concentration equal to ½ ??50 and EC50 values showed a significant mitodepressive effect on A. cepa meristematic cells. The in vitro tests revealed a significant negative impact on cancer cell viability and a promising pro-apoptotic activity of hot water extract.

CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF UV IRRADIATION ON ROOT MERISTEM CELLS OF ALLIUM CEPA L

The widespread use of ultraviolet radiation as a disinfectant necessitates an investigation into its possible harmful effects in living organisms. In the present study the effect of exposure to UVC radiation was studied using the Allium cepa assay. To determine the effect of UVC radiation, roots of four sets of A. cepa bulbs were irradiated with 254 nm UV radiation for durations of half, one, two and four hours, respectively. The cytotoxicity of UVC radiation was assessed by comparing the mitotic index of root meristem cells of exposed roots and unirradiated roots (control). Frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the dividing cells of the root meristem was taken as a measure of the genotoxicity of UVC radiation. The roots subjected to UVC exposure showed several types of chromosomal aberrations including sticky chromosomes, c-metaphase, vagrant chromosomes, irregular anaphase, multipolar anaphase, chromosomal bridges and laggards. The study clearly shows that exposure to UVC radiation for even a brief period of half an hour is cytotoxic and genotoxic.

Phytochemical characterization, isolation, antioxidant and cytogenotoxic activity of leaves of Heliotropium elongatum (Lehm) I.M. Johnst

ABSTRACT Heliotropium elongatum is used to treat inflammation, cough, and flu. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and determine the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and cytogenotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract (EE), and fractions of H. elongatum leaves. In the phytochemical profile analysis, organic acids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, steroids/triterpenes, and depsides/depsidones were detected in the EE and/or fractions (hexanic/FH, chloroformic/FC, ethyl acetate/FAE, and hydromethanolic/FHM). The highest TPC and highest antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) was detected in FHM. In FH, 16 compounds were identified by GC-MS, and ursolic acid was isolated by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. HPLC-DAD from EE, FAE, and FHM demonstrated characteristic wavelengths for flavonoids, flavonols, flavones, and anthraquinones. ESI-IT/MSn analysis of EE, FC, FAE, and FHM revealed alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In Allium cepa assay there was no significant cytotoxic effect initiated by EE (62.5 to 1,000 µg/ml), FHM (1,000 µg/ml), and FAE (62.5 µg/ml). Genotoxicity was evidenced only with EE at 500 and 1,000 µg/ml, and FHM (62.5 to 1,000 µg/ml) as evidenced by presence of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NB). Our results identified compounds of medicinal interest with antioxidant activity; however observed cytogenotoxic changes indicated the need for caution when using these compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Antigenotoxic Potential of Dayak Onion Bulb and Leaf (Eleutherine bulbosa Urb.) Ethanol Extract with Allium cepa Assay

Dayak onion (Eleutherine bulbosa Urb.) has the potential as an antigenotoxic agent capable of counteracting the effects of damage to DNA due to ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). The bioactive compounds in Dayak onions have antiradical scavenging activity that plays a role in counteracting free radicals so that they can improve the genotoxicity that occurs. The purpose of this study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of the ethanol extract of Dayak onion bulb and Dayak onion leaf using the Allium cepa assay. This study used a completely randomized design with various treatments of extract concentration (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 ppm) after immersion of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with 3 replications. Chromosome observations of shallot (Allium cepa L.) roots were carried out between 09.00-10.00 am and then the mitotic index and percentage of inhibition were determined. Data were analyzed descriptively qualitatively, quantitatively, and through the ANOVA test followed by the 5% DMRT test. The ethanolic extract of 10 ppm Dayak onion bulb showed the highest antigenotoxic activity with a mitotic index reaching 6.78% and an inhibition percentage of 92.25%. The antigenotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract of Dayak onion bulb was higher than the ethanolic extract of Dayak onion leaf. These results are related to the antiradical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extract of Dayak onion bulb which is also higher than the ethanolic extract of Dayak onion leaf.

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Evaluation of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam and In Silico Studies of Its Alkaloids.

The alkaloids isolated from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium have demonstrated great pharmacological potential; however, the toxic profiles of these extracts and fractions are still not well elucidated. This study evaluated the toxicity of the ethanol extract (EEZR) and neutral (FNZR) and alkaloid (FAZR) fractions. Chemical characterization was performed by chromatographic methods: thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The cytotoxicity of the samples was evaluated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells using the cell viability method (MTT) and mutagenicity by the Allium cepa assay (ACA). Alkaloids isolated from the species were selected for toxicity prediction using preADMET and PROTOX. The molecular docking of the topoisomerase II protein (TOPOII) was used to investigate the mechanism of cell damage. In the EEZR, FNZR, and FAZR, the presence of alkaloids was detected in TCL and HPLC-DAD analyses. These samples showed a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) greater than 400 μg/mL in HepG2 cells. In ACA, time- and concentration-dependent changes were observed, with a significant reduction in the mitotic index and an increase in chromosomal aberrations for all samples. Nuclear sprouts and a micronucleus of the positive control (PC) were observed at 10 µg/mL and in the FAZR at 30 µg/mL; a chromosomal bridge in FNZR was observed at 105 µg/mL, CP at a concentration of 40 µg/mL, and nuclear bud and mitotic abnormalities in the EEZR were observed at 170 µg/mL. The alkaloids with a benzophenanthridine were selected for the in silico study, as structural alterations demonstrated certain toxic effects. Molecular docking with topo II demonstrated that all alkaloids bind to the protein. In summary, the fractionation of Z. rhoifolium did not interfere with toxicity; it seems that alkaloids with a benzophenanthridine nucleus may be involved in this toxicity.

Assessment of the Mutagenic and Cytotoxic Ability of Azanza Garckeana (F.Hoffm), Using Allium Cepa (L) Assay

The study on the assessment of the mutagenic and cytotoxic ability of Azanza garckeana leaf and fruit extracts on the root tip of Allium cepa was evaluated; aqueous leaf and fruit extract of A. garckeana were collected and dried, and pounded into powder. For the root growth inhibition and cytological analysis, four concentrations of each extract, viz: 5g,10g, 15g, and 20g, including positive and negative control, were considered, and the result was determined for each extract using a graph to indicate the maximum and minimum EC50 (Effective concentration). The EC ranged from 10 g/ml with a root length of 3 cm for A. garckeana leaf extracts, 10g/ml with a root length of 2.5 cm for A. garckeana fruits extracts, A range of chromosomal aberrations such as polyploidy, dissolution, vagrant metaphase, binucleate, laggard, nuclear lesion, fragmentation, chromosome gap, anaphase bridge, micronuclei, unequal separation, were observed in all the plant’s extracts. Statistically, the chromosomal aberrations observed in the root tip cells of A. cepa treated with the leaf extracts of A. garckeana shows that 10g is statistically significantly different from 5g (P = 0.026) and negative control, 15g is significantly different from 5g (P = 0.000) and 10g (P = 0.026). However, as the concentration increased to 20g, there was a significant difference in the percentage of aberrations from 5g (P =0.0000) to 10g (P = 0.005), but not significantly different from 15g (P =0.0553). Whereas fruit extract shows that 10g is higher than 5g but has no statistical significance (P =0.101). 15g is significantly different from 5g (P =0.101) but not significantly different from 10g (P =0.055), 20g (P =0.331), and positive control (P =0.845). As the concentrations of the plant extracts increased to 10%, 15%, and 20%, there was a progressive increase in the percentage of aberrant cells and a decrease in the number of dividing cells, suggesting that low concentrations of A. garckeana extracts should be used in traditional medicine production.

New Apoptosis Inducers Containing Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Pnictogen Derivatives: A New Strategy in the Development of Mitochondrial Targeting Chemotherapeutics.

{[Ag8(Mef)8(μ2-S,O-DMSO)2(μ2-O-DMSO)2(O-DMSO)8]·2(H2O)} (1), [Ag(Mef)(tpP)2] (2), [Ag(Mef)(tpAs)3] (3), and {2 [Ag(Mef)(tpSb)3] (DMSO)} (4) were obtained by the conjugation of mefenamic acid (MefH), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with a mitochondriotropic derivative of pnictogen tpE (tp = triphenyl group; E = P, As, and Sb) through silver(I). Their hydrophilicity was adjusted by their dispersion into sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), forming SLS@1-4. 1-4 and SLS@1-4 were characterized by their spectral data and X-ray crystallography. They inhibit the proliferation of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7 (hormone-dependent (HD)) and MDA-MB-231 (hormone-independent (HI)). X-ray fluorescence reveals the Ag cellular uptake. The in vitro and in vivo nongenotoxicity was confirmed with micronucleus (MN), Artemia salina, and Allium cepa assays. Their mechanism of action was studied by cell morphology, DNA fragmentation, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization tests, DNA binding affinity, and LOX inhibitory activity and was rationalized by regression analysis.

Elemicin-rich Cymbopogon khasianus (Hack) Stapf (ex Bor) Essential Oil: Pharmacological Effects, Toxicological Investigation, and Compositional Analysis

Background: Cymbopogon khasianus is a widely used industrial and pharmacologically important aromatic grass species. Objective: The present investigation was designed to study and compare the elemicin rich Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil (EREO) and its pharmacological effects, genotoxicity with pure compound elemicin Materials and Methods: Chemical composition, identification was performed using GC/MS and NMR techniques. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), reducing power assay for antioxidant; albumin denaturation, protease inhibitor for anti-inflammatory; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for anti-cholinesterase; amylase inhibitory for anti-diabetic; tyrosine inhibitory for skin whitening; disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assay for antimicrobial, and Allium cepa assay for genotoxicity were used. Results: GC/MS analysis identified 38 compounds; among them elemicin 72.34%, D-limonene 3.81%; methyl eugenol 3.34% were the major compounds. A significant amount of antioxidant activity IC50 31.38 µg/mL; anti-inflammatory activity (protein denaturation assay) IC50 16.77 µg/mL; protease inihibitor assay IC50 51.08 µg/mL; anticholinesterase IC50 12.095 µg/mL; antidiabetic activity IC50 17.36 µg/mL; and anti-tyrosinase activity IC50 17.69 µg/mL were reported. Antimicrobial activity analysis against 13 microbial strains revealed negative effect. Genotoxicity study using Allium cepa assay revealed negative toxicity of EREO with aberration percentage of 04.30% and pure elemicin 05.30% which was very low in comparison to ethyl-methanesulfonate (EMS) 13.90%. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the first scientific evaluation of novel elemicin rich EREO pharmacological properties and to compare with pure compound elemicin. Together, it can be stated that EREO possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinesterase activities way better than pure compound elemicin as well as standard drugs used.

Preparation and Phytotoxicity Evaluation of Cellulose Acetate Nanoparticles.

The use of biocompatible and low-cost polymeric matrices to produce non-phytotoxic nanoparticles for delivery systems is a promising alternative for good practices in agriculture management and biotechnological applications. In this context, there is still a lack of studies devoted to producing low-cost polymeric nanoparticles that exhibit non-phytotoxic properties. Among the different polymeric matrices that can be used to produce low-cost nanoparticles, we can highlight the potential application of cellulose acetate, a natural biopolymer with biocompatible and biodegradable properties, which has already been used as fibers, membranes, and films in different agricultural and biotechnological applications. Here, we provided a simple and low-cost route to produce cellulose acetate nanoparticles (CA-NPs), by modified emulsification solvent evaporation technique, with a main diameter of around 200 nm and a spherical and smooth morphology for potential use as agrochemical nanocarriers. The non-phytotoxic properties of the produced cellulose acetate nanoparticles were proved by performing a plant toxic test by Allium cepa assay. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests allowed us to evaluate the mitotic process, chromosomal abnormalities, inhibition/delay in root growth, and micronucleus induction. In summary, the results demonstrated that CA-NPs did not induce phytotoxic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic effects, and they did not promote changes in the root elongation, germination or in the mitotic, chromosomal aberration, and micronucleus indices. Consequently, the present findings indicated that CA-NPs can be potentially used as environmentally friendly nanoparticles.

English

The antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of solid state fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) using Rhizopus oligosporus were investigated. Solid state fermentation was carried out for 72 h at room temperature under acidic and basic conditions. Total phenolic content was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in fermented peeled and unpeeled cassava at pH 7 and 5 when compared with unfermented. Similarly, the total flavonoid contents of fermented peeled and unpeeled cassava at pH 4 and 7 were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than in unfermented. Allium cepa assay was used to assess the antigenotoxic effects of unfermented and fermented peeled and unpeeled cassava. The fermented extracts did not induce chromosomal type aberrations in the treated cells. The present study thus showed that R. oligosporus has the ability to breakdown cassava and considerably increase the antioxidant properties in peeled and unpeeled fermented cassava, which may serve as natural antioxidants in industrial broiler chickens. &nbsp; Key words: Cassava, fermentation, Rhizopus oligosporus, antioxidants, antigenotoxicity.

MICRONUCLEUS AND CHROMOSOME ABERRATION FREQUENCIES IN ALLIUM CEPA CELLS EXPOSED TO COASTAL SEDIMENTS FROM A POLLUTED ESTUARINE SYSTEM

The genotoxicity and mutagenicity of two compartments of sediment samples (pore water and whole sediment) were evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. The samples were collected from thirteen sites on the southern coastal strip of the Rio de la Plata (Argentina). Three biological parameters were analyzed in the root cells, the mitotic index (MI), and the chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) frequencies. Most of the samples were genotoxic in the pore water compartment, probably due to the mixture of bioavailable heavy metal concentrations (Cd =0.050-0.950 mg/Kg, Cu=0.125-7.300 mg/Kg, Cr=0.019-1.850 mg/Kg, Pb=1.075-15.200 mg/Kg, and Zn=0.925-47.225 mg/Kg). However, half of the samples exerted genotoxic and mutagenic effects on the meristematic root cells when they were exposed to the whole sediment. This probably means that some contaminants in this compartment, such as heavy metals, would not be bioavailable in all of the samples. In conclusion, the A. cepa assay showed high sensitivity in detecting genotoxicity and mutagenicity in sediment samples from the southern coastal strip of the Rio de la Plata.

Anethole rich Clausena heptaphylla (Roxb.) Wight & Arn., essential oil pharmacology and genotoxic efficiencies

Anethole, a widely used industrial flavoring agent is majorly sourced from anise and star anise. The present study is aimed to the in-depth pharmacological analysis i.e. anti-diabetic, skin whitening, neurodegenerative disorder inhibitory activities of anethole-rich Clausena heptaphylla leaf essential oil (ARCHEO) (88.59%) as revealed by the Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and further confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance 1H-NMR as well as to compare with standard compound anethole. ARCHEO (ABTS EC50 6.97 ± 0.004 µg/mL; Protease assay 4.51 ± 0.004 µg/mL) outperformed the standard compound anethole (ABTS EC50 9.48 ± 0.048 µg/mL; Protease assay EC50 22.64 ± 0.016 µg/mL) in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory experiments. ARCHEO was also shown to be more effective than the reference compound anethole in terms of anti-diabetic activity (EC50 22.35 ± 0.121 µg/mL), tyrosinase inhibitory activity (EC50 16.45 ± 0.012 µg/mL), and anti-cholinesterase activity (EC50 22.32 ± 0.016 µg/mL). However, ARCHEO exhibited lower antimicrobial activity towards all the tested microbes compared to standard compound anethole and as for the MIC, ARCHEO was effective only towards Salmonella typhimurium (60 µg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (20 µg/mL), and Aspergillus fumigatus (75 µg/mL). ARCHEO (11.11%) and anethole (12.33%) showed no genotoxic effect based on Allium cepa assay mitotic index value. Thus, ARCHEO could be a commercially viable and widely available cheaper source of anethole, which has buoyant demand in the field of food flavoring, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries.

Mitotic and chromosomal effects induced for biosynthesized nanoparticles from three mediators on Allium cepa root cells.

The genotoxicity of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from three microbial mediators was assessed using the Allium cepa assay. Three clusters were differentiated for the highest frequency of end points of clastogenicity (stick-ends, fragments and bridges), end points of missegregation (C-metaphases and disorder anaphases), and lowest frequency of all the end points. In these clusters, the treatments were grouped respectively as I) positive control (GSF); II) silver nanoparticles formAspergillus niger (AgNPs-An); and III) silver nanoparticles from both Cryptococcus laurentii (AgNPs-Cl) and Rhodotorula glutinis (AgNPs-Rg), Ag + , and negative control (NC). These results were in according to the principal component analisys (PCA) where treatments were associated to each component of the genotoxic effects. The statistical comparative analysis of the mitotic index (IM) and the abnormal mitosis frequency (AM) indicated that both GSF and AgNPsAn induce significant genotoxic effect. Low genotoxic effects were attributed to AgNPs-Cl and AgNPs-Rg, but mitogenic stimuli, similar to that obtained by the silver ions Ag + , were observed. Results suggested that different features of biogenic nanoparticles such as composition, size, and coating may be involved in the different cytological responses of the meristematic cells.