Allium Test Research Articles

Investigating the phytochemical profile, biological potentials, morphological, and anatomical characteristics of Cyclotrichium origanifolium (Labill.) Manden. & Scheng. (Lamiaceae) from Turkey.

Cyclotrichium origanifolium, a plant widely used in Eastern and Southern Anatolia for culinary purposes, was subject of this study, which aimed to comprehensively evaluate its potential therapeutic applications. This research stands out due to its holistic approach, combining morpho-anatomical studies, chemical, and biological analyses to explore antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, genotoxic, and anti-genotoxic effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts, as well as flowering aerial part essential oil. It is a perennial plant, typically ranging from 10 to 40cm in height, with a suffrutescent and highly branched growth habit. Essential oils are produced within glandular trichomes. Oil, analyzed via GC-MS/MS, revealed 24 compounds accounting for 96.4% of oil, with isomenthone (52.4%), pulegone (23.4%), and β-pinene (9.5%) as predominant components. These findings are significant as they provide new insights into chemical composition of oils, particularly highlighting pharmacologically active compounds. Methanol extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity, correlated with high phenol and tannin content. Essential oil showed moderate inhibition of α-amylase (49.54%) and mild inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (11.84%) and butyrylcholinesterase (16.93%), suggesting potential in managing oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. Study also conducted biosafety evaluations using Ames/Salmonella and Allium tests, essential for assessing genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of natural products. Notably, significant antimicrobial effects were identified, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. Comprehensive analysis and discovery of significant bioactivities position this research as a valuable contribution to field, distinguishing it from previous studies on similar species. This study provides a foundational understanding of morpho-anatomical, pharmacological, biological properties of plant, opening avenues for future research.

Investigation of phytotoxic effects of fullerene С60 with the use of Allium-test

Aim. To investigate the cytogenetic effects of water-soluble fullerene C60 with the use of Allium test. To study the influence of various concentrations of fullerene С60 on the morpho-physiological parameters of A. cepa. Methods. The influence of different concentrations of fullerene С60 (25–100 μg/ml) on the induction of root formation and their growth, as well as its cytogenetic effects on the meristematic cells of root apices, were investigated. Results. It was found that fullerene C60 at concentrations of 50 and 75 μg/ml induced root formation and stimulated root growth, though causing minor deformations. Also, it was shown that fullerene С60 disrupts the progression of various phases of mitosis in the meristematic cells of roots, along with the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations at all investigated concentrations. Conclusions. The cytogenetic effects of water-soluble fullerene C60 were investigated for the first time using the Allium-test. Both positive effects on the morphophysiological parameters of A. cepa and its genotoxicity were demonstrated, which could indicate the disruptions in the mechanisms of spindle formation.

The revealing of the Cyto-genotoxic properties (Allium and MTT) and the effect of chicken meat quality of characterized zein-eugenol nanofibers

Electrospun zein-based eugenol nanofibers (ZEnF) with diameters (148.19–631.52 nm) were fabricated. Thermal degradation was found as <15 % until 300 °C while the nanofiber diffraction pattern presented three main peaks among the 5o and 45o positions. ZEnF was not only evaluated as non-toxic to cells but also possessed anticancer characteristics revealing with the MCF-7 cell line at 800 μg/mL (reduction: 18.08 %) and 1600 μg/mL (reduction: 41.64 %). Allium tests revealed that ZEnF did not have any adverse impact on the health status (chromosomes-DNA) of exposed organisms. Following the nanofiber coating for chicken meat parts (thigh and breast), it was observed up to 1.25 log CFU/g limitation in total viable bacteria counts (p < 0.05). The sensory score (difference: 3.64 in 10 points scoring on the 6th day of the cold storage) and odor score of chicken meat samples were found to be as higher than control samples (p < 0.05).

Direct and indirect toxicity mechanisms of the natural insecticide azadirachtin based on in-silico interactions with tubulin, topoisomerase and DNA

Natural pesticides, which attract attention with safe properties, pose a threat to many non-target organisms, so their toxic effects should be studied extensively. In this study, the toxic effects of Azadirachtin, a natural insecticide derived from Azadirachta indica, were investigated by in-vivo and in-silico methods. In-vivo toxic effects were determined using the Allium test and bulbs were treated with 5 mg/L (0.5x EC50), 10 mg/L (EC50), and 20 mg/L (2xEC50) Azadirachtin. In the groups treated with Azadirachtin, there was a decline in germination-related parameters and accordingly growth was delayed. This regression may be related to oxidative stress in the plant, and the increase in malondialdehyde and proline levels in Azadirachtin-applied groups confirms oxidative stress. Azadirachtin toxicity increased dose-dependently and the most significant toxic effect was observed in the group administered 20 mg/L Azadirachtin. In this group, the mitotic index decreased by 43.4% and sticky chromosomes, vagrant chromosomes and fragments were detected at rates of 83.1 ± 4.01, 72.7 ± 3.46 and 65.1 ± 3.51, respectively. By comet analysis, it was determined that Azadirachtin caused DNA fragmentation, and tail DNA, which was 0.10 ± 0.32% in the control group, increased to 34.5 ± 1.35% in the Azadirachtin -treated groups. These cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Azadirachtin may be due to direct interaction with macromolecules as well as induced oxidative stress. Azadirachtin has been found to interact in-silico with alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, topoisomerase I and II, and various DNA sequences. Possible deteriorations in macromolecular structure and functions as a result of these interactions may cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. These results suggest that natural insecticides may also be unreliable for non-target organisms, and the toxic effects of compounds presented as “natural” should also be investigated.

Effect of formaldehyde exposure on phytochemical content and functional activity of Agaricus bisporus (Lge.) Sing.

In this study, the effect of formaldehyde on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. Synthetic compost based on wheat straw was prepared by fermentation and disinfection. After steam pasteurization, 5 g of A. bisporus mycelia were inoculated into 1 kg of compost. To determine the effects of formaldehyde, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations were added to the composts, while compost without formaldehyde was used for the control group. The harvesting period was set at 10 weeks. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, macro- and microelement profile, and phenolic content were analyzed in the harvested A. bisporus samples. Macro- and microelement content was determined by ICP-OES, and phenolic compound profile was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. Formaldehyde levels in A. bisporus samples were determined by the acetylacetone spectrophotometry method. The antioxidant capacity of A. bisporus samples was determined by DPPH scavenging activity; antimutagenic effects of samples were determined by Allium test. Application of 2, 4, and 6% formaldehyde resulted in a 1.12-, 1.19-, and 2.07-fold reduction in total phenolic content, respectively. The total phenolic content was reduced between 34.4% and 71.8%. These changes were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Compounds such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, and 4-OH benzoic acid, which were detected in the control group, could not be detected in the samples treated with 6% formaldehyde, and it was found that the application of formaldehyde reduced the phenolic content. Similar changes were also observed in macro- and microelements, and significant changes in elemental contents were observed after formaldehyde application. While the presence of formaldehyde at a low level, which may be due to natural production, was detected in the control group, a residue of 11.41 ± 0.93 mg/kg was determined in the 6% FMD applied group. All these changes resulted in a decrease in the antioxidant activity of A. bisporus. The DPPH scavenging activity, which was determined in the range of 21.6–73.3% in the control samples, decreased to 12.3–56.7% in the samples treated with formaldehyde. These results indicate that the application of formaldehyde at different stages of A. bisporus cultivation leads to significant changes in the nutritional value and biological activity of A. bisporus.

Investigation of multidirectional toxicity induced by high-dose molybdenum exposure with Allium test

In this study, the multifaceted toxicity induced by high doses of the essential trace element molybdenum in Allium cepa L. was investigated. Germination, root elongation, weight gain, mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), Comet assay, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and anatomical parameters were used as biomarkers of toxicity. In addition, detailed correlation and PCA analyzes were performed for all parameters discussed. On the other hand, this study focused on the development of a two hidden layer deep neural network (DNN) using Matlab. Four experimental groups were designed: control group bulbs were germinated in tap water and application group bulbs were germinated with 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/L doses of molybdenum for 72 h. After germination, root tips were collected and prepared for analysis. As a result, molybdenum exposure caused a dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in the investigated physiological parameter values, and an increase (p < 0.05) in the cytogenetic (except MI) and biochemical parameter values. Molybdenum exposure induced different types of CAs and various anatomical damages in root meristem cells. Comet assay results showed that the severity of DNA damage increased depending on the increasing molybdenum dose. Detailed correlation and PCA analysis results determined significant positive and negative interactions between the investigated parameters and confirmed the relationships of these parameters with molybdenum doses. It has been found that the DNN model is in close agreement with the actual data showing the accuracy of the predictions. MAE, MAPE, RMSE and R2 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DNN model. Collective analysis of these metrics showed that the DNN model performed well. As a result, it has been determined once again that high doses of molybdenum cause multiple toxicity in A. cepa and the Allium test is a reliable universal test for determining this toxicity. Therefore, periodic measurement of molybdenum levels in agricultural soils should be the first priority in preventing molybdenum toxicity.

Cytogenotoxic and antimicrobial effects of Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) alcoholic extracts

Due to their multifunctionality and the numerous fields of applicability, insects are extensively studied today for both their biomedical and nutritional properties. In the current study the cytogenotoxic and antimicrobial potential of ethanol and methanol extracts of Nezara viridula (Linnaeus 1758) was evaluated using the Allium test, respectively the disk diffusion test. A mitostimulatory effect of the extracts of N. viridula and a variation of the cytogenotoxic activity of the extracts in a gender-dependent manner was noticed. As well, significant variations of the mitotic index were determined through the type of solvent used and the concentration of the extracts. High frequency chromosomal aberrations and mitotic abnormalities were recorded with high concentration ethanolic extracts. Following the testing of four standard bacterial strains and two standard yeast strains, a slightly antimicrobial activity was observed when compared to control. The use of invasive species in such studies opens up new perspectives on the potential of organisms considered harmful.

Comparison of the cytogenetic effects of a pulsed magnetic field and gamma radiation on meristem cells of onion seed sprouts (Allium cepa l.)

The effect of a pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on meristem cells of onion seedlings was compared with the effects of acute gamma irradiation using the allium test. It was found that a pulse with a carrier frequency of 1.8 MHz, a pulse repetition rate of 28 kHz, and a magnetic field induction of 75 mT per pulse leads to an increase in the mitotic index, mainly due to an increase in the proportion of cells in the prophase, an increase in the frequency of cells with chromosome aberrations in the ana-telophase and does not affect the frequency of cells with micronuclei. It has been suggested that UTI causes nonspecific oxidative stress in plant cells, accompanied by a delay in the cell cycle at the check point (G2/M) and induction of DNA damage. According to these indicators, the PMF resembles the effect of ionizing radiation in doses of 0.05–0.5 Gy.

Allelopathic and toxicological effects of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil

Origanum vulgare L. has been proven to be the strongest herbal antiseptic in the world, native to the Mediterranean region, but is widely naturalized elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. This study aimed to estimate the phytotoxic effect of three different concentrations of oregano essential oil (O. vulgare) on three selected plant species namely, wheat, tomato and mint using biotest germination and effects on seedling growth, as well as its toxicological properties using Allium test. Our results revealed that oregano essential oil exhibits allelopathic effect on selected species. All three tested concentrations of oregano essential oil caused a significant inhibition of Allium cepa L. root growth, as well as a reduction in the mitotic index values in A. cepa meristem cells. O. vulgare essential oil demonstrated phytotoxic and antiproliferative effects. Further research is needed to confirm our results.

Phytochemical fingerprint and biological activity of raw and heat-treated Ornithogalum umbellatum

The plants that we use as food in our daily diet and as risk preventers against many diseases have many biological and pharmacological activities. The heat treatments applied during the cooking of the plants cause changes in the phytochemical content and bioactivity. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint and biological activities of raw and heat-treated extracts of Ornithogalum umbellatum L., which is widely consumed in the Black Sea region, were investigated. The bulb and leaf parts of the plant consumed as food were dried in an oven at 35 °C and then ground into powder. For heat treatment, the plant was boiled at 100 °C for 20 min. Differences in phytochemical contents of raw and heat-treated extracts were determined by ICP-MS, LC–MS/MS, and FTIR analysis. Biological activity was investigated with antiradical, antimicrobial, antimutagenic and antiproliferative activity tests. In this way, the effect of heat treatment on both the phytochemical content and biological activity of the O. umbellatum extract was determined. Gallic acid, procateuic acid and caffeic acid were found as the main compounds in the O. umbellatum extract, while the presence of procateuic aldehyde, vanillin and kaempferol in minor proportions was determined. There was a significant decrease in phenolic compound levels after heat treatment and gallic acid content decreased by 92.6%, procateuic acid content by 90% and caffeic acid content by 84.8%. Significant differences were detected in macro and micro element levels after heat treatment in ICP-MS results. While Cd, Ba and Zn levels of the raw extract increased; Na, Mg, K, Fe, U, Co levels decreased significantly. In FTIR spectrum, shifts and disappearances were observed in some of the vibrations and the emergence of new vibrations was also determined after heat treatment. Raw extract exhibited strong scavenging activity against H2O2 and DPPH and had a broad spectrum antimicrobial property. As a result of heat application, regressions were detected in antiradicalic, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities were determined by the Allium test and a significant decrease in both activities and loss of activity against some chromosomal abnormalities were determined after heat treatment. While the antiproliferative activity of the raw extract was 20%, the activity of the heat-treated extract decreased to 7.6%. The raw extract showed the strongest antimutagenic effect with 69.8% against the unequal distribution of chromatin. Similarly, the antimutagenic activity of the extract, which reduced the bridges by 56.1%, decreased to 0.74% after heat treatment and almost lost its antimutagenic activity. The biological activities of raw O. umbellatum are closely related to the major compounds it contains, and the decrease in the levels of these compounds with the effect of heat was reflected in the activity. Studies investigating the phytochemical contents of plants are very important and the studies investigating biological activities related to phytochemical content are more remarkable. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint of O. umbellatum was determined, its biological activities were related to the compounds it contained, and the biological activity was found to be heat sensitive.

Detection of heavy metal contamination in Batlama Stream (Turkiye) and the potential toxicity profile

In this study, heavy metal pollution in Batlama stream flowing into the Black Sea from Giresun (Turkiye) province and the toxicity induced by this pollution were investigated by Allium test. Heavy metal concentrations in stream water were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Germination percentage, weight gain, root length, micronucleus (MN), mitotic index (MI), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), proline, chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities were used as indicators of physiological, cytogenetic and biochemical toxicity. In addition, Comet assay was performed for detecting DNA fragmentation. Anatomical changes caused by heavy metals in the root meristem cells were observed under the microscope. A. cepa bulbs are divided into two groups as control and treatment. The bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water and the bulbs in the treatment group were germinated with stream water. As a result, heavy metals such as Al, Ti and Co and radioactive heavy metals such as Rb, Sr, Sb and Ba were detected in the stream water above the acceptable parametric values. Heavy metals in the water caused a decrease in germination, root elongation, weight gain, MI and chlorophyll values, and an increase in MDA, proline, SOD, CAT, MN and CAs values. Comet assays indicated the presence of severe DNA damage. In addition, heavy metals in stream water caused different types of CAs and anatomical damage in root meristem cells. As a result, it was determined that there is intense heavy metal pollution in the stream water and this pollution promotes multi-dimensional toxicity in A. cepa, which is an indicator organism. For this reason, the first priority should be to prevent pollution of water resources in order to prevent heavy metal-induced toxicity in water.

DNA fragmentation and multifaceted toxicity induced by high-dose vanadium exposure determined by the bioindicator Allium test

In this study, the toxicity of vanadium (VCI3) in Allium cepa L. was studied. Germination-related parameters, mitotic index (MI), catalase (CAT) activity, chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, micronucleus (MN) frequency and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were investigated. The effects of VCI3 exposure on the DNA of meristem cells were investigated with the help of comet assay, and the relationships between physiological, cytogenetic and biochemical parameters were revealed by correlation and PCA analyses. A. cepa bulbs were germinated with different concentrations of VCI3 for 72 h. As a result, the maximum germination (100%), root elongation (10.4 cm) and weight gain (6.85 g) were determined in the control. VCI3 treatment caused significant decreases in all tested germination-related parameters compared to the control. The highest percentage of MI (8.62%) was also observed in the control. No CAs were found in the control, except for a few sticky chromosomes and unequal distribution of chromatin (p > 0.05). VCI3 treatment caused significant decreases in MI and increases in the frequencies of CAs and MN, depending on the dose. Similarly, the comet assay showed that DNA damage scores increased with increasing VCI3 doses. The lowest root MDA (6.50 µM/g) level and SOD (36.7 U/mg) and CAT (0.82 OD240nmmin/g) activities were also measured in the control. VCI3 treatment caused significant increases in root MDA levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. Besides, VCI3 treatment induced anatomical damages such as flattened cell nucleus, epidermis cell damage, binuclear cell, thickening in the cortex cell wall, giant cell nucleus, damages in cortex cell and unclear vascular tissue. All examined parameters showed significant negative or positive correlations with each other. PCA analysis confirmed the relations of investigated parameters and VCI3 exposure.

Potential toxicity assessment of mycotoxin fusaric acid with the spectral shift profile on DNA.

In this study, the multiple toxicities induced by three different doses (1, 5, and 10 μM) of fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin, was investigated with Allium test. Physiological (percent germination, root number, root length, and weight gain), cytogenetic (micronucleus = MN, chromosomal abnormalities = CAs, and mitotic index = MI), biochemical (proline level, malondialdehyde = MDA level, catalase = CAT activity, and superoxide dismutase = SOD activity), and anatomical parameters were used as indicators of toxicity. Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into four groups as one control and three applications. The bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water for 7 days, and the bulbs in the treatment groups were germinated with three different doses of FA for 7 days. As a result, FA exposure caused a decrease in all physiological parameters examined at all three doses. Besides, all FA doses caused a decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN and the number of CAs. FA promoted CAs such as nucleus with vacuoles, nucleus buds, irregular mitosis, bridge, and misdirection in root meristem cells. DNA and FA interactions, which are the possible causes of genotoxic effects, were examined by spectral analysis, and FA could interact with DNA through intercalation, causing bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in the spectrum. FA also causes toxicity by inducing oxidative stress in cells, confirming this; dose-related increases in root MDA and proline levels were measured as a result of FA exposure. In the root SOD and CAT enzyme activities, increases up to 5 μM doses and decreases at 10 μM doses were measured. FA exposure induced anatomical damage such as necrosis, epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, thickening of the cortex cell wall, and unclear vascular tissue in root tip meristem cells. As a result, FA caused a comprehensive toxicity by showing an inhibitory effect in A. cepa test material, and the Allium test was a very useful test in determining this toxicity.

Effect of Azithromycin on Genotoxicity in Allium Test

The effect of azithromycin at a concentration of 50-1000.0 mg/l on the pathology of mitosis in the Allium test in the first metaphase after treatment and after the completion of the recovery period is being investigated. Research methods: Allium test, cytogenetic analysis, statistical analysis. The Allium test was conducted on a batch of the Stuttgarter variety which is genetically unstable as the result of micronucleus test. The results of the analysis showed that the tested concentrations of azithromycin (50.0-1000.0 mg/l) in the first mitosis did not cause a significant increase in the values of mitosis pathology (PM) compared with the negative control. However, there was a significant increase (8 times) in the number of cells with PM in the “aftereffect, after 48 hours” variant for a concentration of 300.0 mg/l of azithromycin: from 4.1% to 32.3%. It should be noted that under the action of all tested concentrations of azithromycin, the same tendency is observed as in the control variant in terms of the preservation of the PM spectrum and the dominance, firstly, of the pathology “overrun/lag of chromosomes”, and secondly, the pathology of “asynchronous spindle fission”. The percentage of mentioned PMs ranges from 52 to 74, and from 7 to 22, respectively. Other types of PMs, according to their occurrence in experimental variants, are arranged in the following sequence: c-mitosis, chromosome scattering, chromosome outliers, polyploidy, chromosome stickiness, chromosomal and chromatid bridges, pycnosis of interphase nuclei. Under the action of azithromycin, starting from a concentration of 100.0 mg/l to 1000.0 mg/l, polyploid cells were observed in dividing cells, which contained a tetraploid set of chromosomes. In experimental variants in single cells, a significant increase in the size of the nuclei of interphase cells and the presence of nuclear buds were noted, which is considered as markers of polyploidization and gene amplification. The recovery period (after 48 hours after the action of the antibiotic) for azithromycin does not reduce the number of cells with PM but changes their composition and spectrum.

Assessment of genotoxic effects of wastewater of Kitchener pool, Nile Delta Region, North Egypt, using Allium test

BackgroundIn the present study, Allium test bioassay was utilized to evaluate the effects of mixed wastewater of agricultural and sewage effluents at Kitchener pool, Gharbia governate, Middle Delta region, North Egypt. Germination indices, mitotic index and aberrations, α, β-esterase isozymes and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting were tested by different concentrations of the wastewater (tap water as control, 25%, 50% and 100% wastewater).ResultsWater analysis recorded high levels of electrical conductivity, cations and anions compared to control, but were in the permitted limits according to FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) except Mg2+ and K1+ were above the limits. P, N and heavy metals as Pb, Mn and Ni were also higher than the control. Germination indices showed reduction for all parameters studied (root and shoot lengths, root and shoot fresh and dry weights, and tolerance index). Mitotic index decreased, and the percentage of mitotic aberrations increased as the concentration of treatments increased and the time prolonged. Different types of aberrations were recorded in all treatments and its percentage is time and dose independent. Goat cells are the most common type recorded after different times in all treatments. The expression of α, β-esterase enzymes showed variation in different treatments compared to control and ISSR profiles showed considerable polymorphism. Concentration of 25% mixed water induced different profiles for expression of both α- and β-esterase from other treatments, and the cluster analysis based on polymorphism in ISSR fingerprinting revealed the distinction of plants treated with this concentration and the control plants from those treated with high concentrations.ConclusionIt was suggested that concentration of 25% mixed water may be suitable for growth and act as fertilizer. Mixed water from this pool may be genotoxic for Allium cepa plants at early growth if it is used for irrigation in its present form and usage of this wastewater for agricultural purposes may be harmful and must be partially treated and biologically tested before use.

Cyto-Genotoxic and Behavioral Effects of Flubendiamide in Allium cepa Root Cells, Drosophila melanogaster and Molecular Docking Studies.

Flubendiamide (FLB) is an insecticide that is commonly employed to control pests on a variety of vegetables and fruits, with low toxicity for non-target organisms. However, due to its widespread use, the environmental risks and food safety have become major concerns. In this study, the toxicity potential of FLB was studied in the model organisms, Allium cepa and Drosophila melanogaster. The cyto-genotoxic effects of FLB on the root growth, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in A. cepa root meristematic cells were investigated using the root growth inhibition Allium test and Comet assays. FLB caused CAs in the form of disturbed ana-telophase, chromosome laggards, stickiness, anaphase-bridge and polyploidy depending on the concentration and the exposure time. The toxicity and genotoxicity of FLB at various doses (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM) on D. melanogaster were investigated from the point of view of larval weight and movement, pupal formation success, pupal position, emergence success and DNA damage, respectively. FLB exposure led to a significant reduction of the locomotor activity at the highest concentration. While DNA damage increased significantly in the FLB-treated onions depending on the concentration and time, DNA damage in the FLB-treated D. melanogaster significantly increased only at the highest dose compared to that which occurred in the control group. Moreover, to provide a mechanistic insight into the genotoxic and locomotion-disrupting effects of FLB, molecular docking simulations of this pesticide were performed against the DNA and diamondback moth (DBM) ryanodine receptor (RyR) Repeat34 domain. The docking studies revealed that FLB binds strongly to a DNA region that is rich in cytosine-guanine-adenine bases (C-G-A) in the minor groove, and it displayed a remarkable binding affinity against the DBM RyR Repeat34 domain.

Influence of Ranunculus acris Flower Extract on Allium cepa Root Meristem

The plant Ranunculus acris (L.) is widespread. It is used in folk medicine. The use of herbal medicines can have adverse effects on humans and requires studies of herbal raw materials for genotoxicity. The goals of the study were to examine the toxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous solutions of R. acris flowers at concentrations of 0.625%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% using the Allium test and to determine the numbers of flavonoids and polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of the extracts. It has been shown that aqueous solutions of buttercup flower extract have a depressing effect on mitosis in the cells of the root meristem of Allium cepa (L.) and cause chromosomal abnormalities (chromosomal stickiness, chromosome lagging, nuclear buds and bridges in anaphase).

ASSESSMENT OF CYTOTOXICITY OF A CAFFEINATED SOFT DRINK USING ALLIUM ASSAY

One of the most consumed caffeinated soft drinks by millions of people globally is Coca-Cola. For healthy adults, caffeine consumption is relatively safe, but for some vulnerable populations, caffeine consumption could be harmful. Therefore, we considered this cytogenetic study to be appropriate for assessment of cytotoxicity effects of Coca-Cola in meristematic cells of plants, through Allium test. A. cepa has assayed to be one of the best model plants for standard use in cytological analysis of different toxins for their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity to plants and animals. The meristematic roots were treated with various concentrations of Coca-Cola (3, 5 and 10ml/cl) for 8 hours, at room temperature, along to an untreated control. It was found that Coca-Cola induced a strong cytogenotoxic effect in meristematic cells of A. cepa as the concentration of Coca-Cola was increased. The clastogenic and aneugenic effect of the tested product was manifested by the decrease of mitotic index (12.5-3.5%) and the occurrence of several types of chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities (12.6-23.2%): bridges, laggards, stickiness and disrupted nucleus. These results suggest that the caffeinated soft drinks can be harmful to health and their regular intake must be avoided. The problem can arises when the consumption is regularized in everyday life, as, unfortunately, many people do.

Screening the toxicity profile and genotoxicity mechanism of excess manganese confirmed by spectral shift

In this study, the toxicity induced by excessive doses of manganese (MnCl2), which is one of the essential trace elements for the continuation of the metabolic activities of the organisms, was investigated with the help of the Allium test. Toxicity was investigated by using physiological (percent germination, root length, weight gain), cytogenetic [mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs)], biochemical [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT)] and anatomical (root tip meristematic cell damage) parameters. Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into four groups as one control and three treatments. The control group was germinated with tap water, and the treatment groups were germinated with 250, 500 and 1000 µM doses of MnCl2. The germination process was continued for 72 h without interruption. At the end of the period, the root tips were collected, washed in distilled water and made ready for microscopic and spectrophotometric analyzes with the help of routine preparation techniques. As a result, the highest germination percentage, root length, weight gain and MI, and the lowest MN frequency, CAs numbers, MDA level, SOD and CAT enzyme activities were determined in the control group (group I). MnCl2 exposure caused a decrease in physiological parameter values and an increase in cytogenetic (except MI) and biochemical parameter values, depending on the dose. MnCl2 exposure induced MN and CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, vagrant chromosome, unequal distribution of chromatin and bridge. This genotoxic effect of MnCl2 was associated with DNA–MnCl2 interaction, and this interaction was also confirmed by bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in spectral analysis. Anatomical damages such as epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, cortex cell damage and cortex cell wall thickening were observed after MnCl2 treatment. As a result, it has been determined that excessive doses of the trace element Mn cause physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical and anatomical toxicity and A. cepa test material is a reliable bio-indicator in determining this toxicity.

Comprehensive toxicity screening of Pazarsuyu stream water containing heavy metals and protective role of lycopene

In this study, heavy metal pollution in the Pazarsuyu stream of Giresun province and the protective role of lycopene against the toxicity caused by this pollution were investigated using the Allium test. Germination percentage, root length and weight gain as physiological markers of toxicity; mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) as genetic markers of toxicity; malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as biochemical markers of toxicity, and meristematic cell damages were used as anatomical markers. For this aim Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into six groups and germinated for 72 h with 215 mg/L and 430 mg/L doses of lycopene, tap water and stream water. Heavy metals pollution was analyzed with ICP-MS and Fe > Sr > Ba > Be > Mo > Li were determined according to the rate of presence in the water samples of Pazarsuyu. As a result, germination-related parameters and meristematic cell proliferation of bulbs germinated with Pazarsuyu water samples decreased significantly. Germination percentage, root length and weight gain of the group treated with Pazarsuyu water samples were decreased 50%, 73% and 68%, respectively compared to control. In addition, MN and CAs frequencies, indicating the genotoxic effects, were increased and significant abnormalities were detected in MDA, SOD and CAT levels, which indicate the deterioration of antioxidant/oxidant balance. CA observed with high frequency was also confirmed by DNA fragmentation determined by the Comet test. Stream water application promoted anatomical damages such as epidermis and cortex cell damage, accumulation of some substances in cortex cells, flattened cell nucleus and non-apparent appearance of conduction tissue in root tip meristem cells. All these abnormalities observed in A. cepa root tip cells were associated with the presence of heavy metals in the water samples. Simultaneous application of lycopene with stream water reduced the effects of heavy metals and resulted in a dose-dependent improvement in all parameters studied. Lycopene application showed a protective role by providing an increase in germination parameters and MI, decrease in MN and CAs frequencies, and improvements in MDA, SOD and CAT activities. As a result, heavy metals detected in the water samples of Pazarsuyu stream caused multiple toxicities in the bio-indicator plant, and lycopene reduced this toxicity and recorded a protective role.