Root Tip Cells Of Allium Cepa Research Articles

Evaluating the role of soil EPS in modifying the toxicity potential of the mixture of polystyrene nanoplastics and xenoestrogen, Bisphenol A (BPA) in Allium cepa L.

The coexistence of emerging pollutants like nanoplastics and xenoestrogen chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) raises significant environmental concerns. While the individual impacts of BPA and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on plants have been studied, their combined effects are not well understood. This study examines the interactions between eco-corona formation, physicochemical properties, and cyto-genotoxic effects of PSNPs and BPA on onion (Allium cepa) root tip cells. Eco-corona formation was induced by exposing BPA-PSNP mixtures to soil extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and changes were analyzed using 3D-EEM, TEM, FTIR, hydrodynamic diameter, and contact angle measurements. Onion roots were treated with BPA (2.5, 5, and 10 mgL-1) combined with plain, aminated, and carboxylated PSNPs (100 mgL-1), with and without EPS interaction. Toxicity was assessed via cell viability, oxidative stress markers (superoxide radical, total ROS, hydroxyl radical), lipid peroxidation, SOD and catalase activity, mitotic index, and chromosomal abnormalities. BPA alone increased cytotoxic and genotoxic parameters in a dose-dependent manner. BPA with aminated PSNPs exhibited the highest toxicity among the pristine mixtures, revealing increased chromosomal abnormalities, oxidative stress, and cell mortality with rising BPA concentrations. In-silico experiments demonstrated the relationship between superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase enzymes, PSNPs, BPA, and their mixtures. EPS adsorption notably reduced cyto-genotoxic effects, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels, mitigating the toxicity of BPA-PSNP mixtures.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Potentials of Datura innoxia Leaves Aqueous Extract on Allium cepa Meristemic Cells

Medicinal plants are still vitally important in the preparation of pharmaceutical products. Plants have been used both for their prophylactic effects and for the treatment of illnesses and diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of developing countries use traditional folk medicines, 85% of which are plant extracts. Datura plant was used medicinally over the world in historical times for treatment of colds, nervous conditions, and as ointment for cuts or wounds and to relieve pain during the setting of bones. The present study aimed to investigate the mutagenic potential of Datura innoxia water extract using Allium cepa root tip cells as biological systems they were used to find out the effect of Datura extract on chromosomal structure and behavior during cell division. Therefore, the mitotic index and chromosome aberration in treated cells were recorded. The root meristem cells were treated with different concentrations of D. innoxia at different times, cytological analysis revealed significant depression in cell division, this was seen noticeably in all used concentrations especially at high ones. The interaction of D. innoxia extract with the genetic material led to DNA damage and decreased cell number depending concentration and time.

Eco-corona formation diminishes the cytogenotoxicity of graphene oxide on Allium cepa: Role of soil extracted–extracellular polymeric substances in combating oxidative stress

Graphene oxide (GO) is widely acknowledged for its exceptional biological and industrial applications. However, its discharge into the environment negatively impacts the ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of GO in Allium cepa root tip cells and the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in modulating its toxic effects. To evaluate toxicity, various endpoints like cell viability using Evans blue dye, cytotoxicity (mitotic index), genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations), and oxidative stress assessments (total ROS, superoxide, hydroxyl radical production, and lipid peroxidation) were considered. The results suggest that pristine GO caused a dose-dependent increase in various toxicity parameters, especially the genotoxic effects. Oxidative stress generation by GO is proposed to be the principal mode of action. The EPS-corona formed on GO could potentially counteract the toxic effects, substantially reducing the oxidative stress within the cells.

The influence of tannins purified from Eastern Mediterranean Region plants (Pinus brutia Ten. and Quercus coccifera L.) on carbon mineralization: Antimicrobial and antimutagenic evaluation

Tannins, which are polyphenols with a wide variety of quality-quantity that control the carbon and nitrogen cycle in forest ecosystems, are very interesting because of their protein binding abilities and forming a complex structure with other compounds. In this study, the purified tannin content of Pinus brutia Ten. and Quercus coccifera L., the two dominant plant species of the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the effect of these tannins on C dynamics in a forest soil (O and A horizon) were evaluated. In addition, antimicrobial effects of tannin extracts on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis bacteria by disc diffusion method and antimutagenic effects on Allium cepa root tip cells were evaluated. Total phenol (TP) and condense tannins (CT) concentrations of P. brutia and Q. coccifera leaves ranged from 0.78–1.33 μg/100mg DW and 4.68–1.35 μg/100mg DW, respectively. With the addition of tannin extract to the soils, C mineralization (27th day) was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Both P. brutia tannin extract (PTE) and Q. coccifera tannin extract (QTE) exhibited antibacterial activity in the range of 8±0.2–35±1.1 mm zone diameter by inhibiting their microbial growth against test microorganisms. In addition, tannin treatments caused a dose-dependent mitotic index decrease in onion root tip cells and a serious inhibition by showing toxic effects on mitotic division stages. As a result, our data showed that C mineralization in soil is affected by different tannin sources and these tannin extracts have significant antimicrobial activity against pathogens and cytotoxic activity in A. cepa root tip cells.

Evaluation of Cyto-Genotoxicity of Pharmaceutical Industrial Effluent in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria, Using Allium Cepa L. Assay

ABSTRACT
 An Allium cepa root cells assay was used to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts on Pharmaceutical industrial effluent in Kano Metropolis. An industrial effluent's physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal composition were assessed, and the readings were found to be higher than the required levels, demonstrating that it had not been treated before disposal. A set of 45 onion bulbs were grown for 96 hours in pharmaceutical effluent that included 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% (v/v), with distilled water serving as the control. All three root tips from each replication's treated bulbs were plucked at 96 hours and prepared for cytogenetic analysis using the aceto-carmine squashed procedure. At higher doses of industrial effluents, the root tips were highly cytotoxic, and their growth was strongly retarded. Exposure to the effluents inhibited root growth with an EC50 value of 6.3%. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference (P 0.05) in the average root growth of Allium cepa subjected to various pharmaceutical effluent concentrations. Mitosis Index (MI) rapidly reduced when effluent concentrations rose compared to control, whereas mitotic inhibition rose with rising effluent concentrations compared to controls. The pharmaceutical effluent triggered chromosomal abnormalities in Allium cepa root tip cells, particularly sticky chromosomes, Binucleated cells, and Bridge chromosomes being most commonly seen at lower doses of 2.5%. It was discovered that the compounds present in effluent might harm living things and, if left untreated, could poison the environment. Industrialists need to be legally required to switch their operations to environmentally friendly technology after it was determined that industrial effluents pose an environmental danger and can result in a number of human illnesses.

Cytotoxic Effects of <i>Scutellaria discolor</i> Colebr. Aqueous Extract in <i>Allium cepa</i> Root Tip Cells

Scutellaria discolor Colebr. is a traditionally used annual herb that occurs in the Himalayan regions of India. The present study aimed to analyze the cytotoxic effects of S. discolor aqueous extract on Allium cepa root tip cells. The equal-sized roots, 48 h aged, were treated with the aqueous extract of S. discolor (AESD) (0.5–4 mg mL−1) and colchicine (0.4 mg mL−1) for 4 h continuously and then recovered for 16 h (4+16 h R) in distilled water. The AESD induced colchicine-like mitotic abnormalities; sticky chromosome, vagrant and laggard chromosomes, chromosomal fragments, anaphase bridges, stellate anaphase, micronucleus, and polyploidy, indicating it may have like colchicine prospective therapeutic and cytotoxic applications.

Cyto-Genotoxic Effect Causing Potential of Polystyrene Micro-Plastics in Terrestrial Plants.

The polystyrene micro-plastics (Ps-MPs) is one of the leading pollutants found in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. While most of the studies on the morphology and cyto-toxicity of MPs have been based on aquatic organisms, their effects on terrestrial plants are still scarcely known. The present study was an attempt to measure the effect of different sizes (80, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 nm) and concentrations (100 and 400 mg/L) of Ps-MPs on the root length and chromosomes of root tip cells of Allium cepa using A. cepa root chromosomal aberration assay. Large size Ps-MPs (4000 and 8000 nm) showed the highest reduction in A. cepa root length; however, the differences were not significant (at p ≤ 0.05), with respect to negative control (Milli-Q water). The mitotic index showed both significant size- and concentration-dependent decreases, being the lowest (12.06%) in 100 nm at 100 mg/L concentration, with respect to the control (25.05%). The chromosomal abnormality index (CAI) and nuclear abnormality index (NAI) showed significant decreases, with respect to negative control. In addition, the induction of micro-nucleated cells was also observed in Allium root tip cells, when treated with MPs of all sizes, which can predict direct DNA damage to the plant cells. Hence, we conclude that most of the MP sizes caused cyto-toxic and nuclear damage by adversely impacting the spindle formation and induction of micro-nucleated cells in Allium cepa root tip cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that showed the effect of considerable size range of Ps-MP sizes on the root length and cell division in plants.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects of refractory pollutants of untreated and biomethanated distillery effluent using Allium cepa

Environmental pollution caused by the discharge of raw and partly treated distillery effluent has become a serious and threatening problem due to its high pollution load. The aim of the present study was to assess the physicochemical load in alcohol distillery effluent before and after biomethanation treatment and the cyto- and genotoxicity effects of refractory pollutants emanated in raw/untreated and biomethanated distillery effluent on the ultrastructural and biochemical responses of Allium cepa root tip cells. Physicochemical analysis revealed high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD: 47840-36651 mg L−1), chemical oxygen demand (COD: 93452-84500 mg L−1) and total dissolved solids (TDS: 64251–74652 mg L−1) in raw and biomethanated effluent along with metal(loid)s (Fe: 456.152–346.26; Zn: 1.654–1.465; Cu: 0.648–0.562; Ni: 1.012–0.951, and Pb: 0.264 mg L−1) which were beyond the safe discharge values prescribed by the environmental regulatory agencies. The UV–Visible and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry analyses confirmed the high levels of organic, inorganic, and mixed contaminants discharged in raw and biomethanated distillery effluents. Furthermore, GC–MS analysis characterised chemical contaminants, such as hexadecanoic acid, butanedioic acid, bis(trimethylsilyl) ester; hexadecane, 2,6,11,15-tetramethyl, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol trimethylsilyl ether that have been reported as androgenic-mutagenic, and endocrine disrupting chemicals by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The cytotoxicity measured by A. cepa showed dose depended inhibition root growth inhibition and simultaneous reduction in mitotic index in tested effluents. The chromosomal aberrations studies resulted in laggard chromosomes, sticky chromosomes, vagrant chromosomes, chromosome loss, c-mitosis, chromosome bridge, abnormal metaphase, and disturbed anaphase as found in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, dose-dependent enhancement in the levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and antioxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase were found to be higher in raw effluents treated root cells compared to biomethanated distillery effluent. Analysis of ultrastructural changes in root tip cells by TEM analysis revealed dramatic changes in the morphology of cell organelles and accumulation of metallic elements in and on the surface tissues. The results concluded that the discharged distillery effluents retained certain toxic pollutants which imposed cytotoxic and genotoxic hazards to A. cepa. Thus, for the sake of environmental protection, the raw as well as the disposed biomethanated effluent must be efficiently treated before its dumping into the terrestrial ecosystem.

Assessment of Cytogenotoxicity Induced by Lead Acetate on Root Tip Cells of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The aim of present study was to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic potency of lead acetate using an Allium root tip bioassay. Root tips of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations of lead acetate viz., 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 mg mL-1 of lead acetate for 48 h. Mitotic index (MI), phase index (PI), and total chromosomal abnormalities (TA) were calculated. The effect of lead acetate was found to be dose-dependent. The frequency of MI ranged from 8.4 to 5.7%, PI of prophase from 4.2 to 3.4%, PI of metaphase from 1.14 to 1.11%, PI of anaphase from 1.8 to 0.6%, and PI of telophase from 1.1 to 0.4% The total chromosomal abnormality (TA) ranged from 0.42 to 1.39% The differences between the averages of all the studied properties were significantly affected by the heavy metal lead acetate concentration variant applied. Mitotic observation showed that increasing of concentration variants doses decrease mitotic index and increased chromosomal abnormality percentage. Various types of physiological and clastogenic (laggard, stickiness, abnormal metaphase, chromatin bridge, and delayed anaphase were observed in Allium cepa root tip cells. Moreover, the A. cepa root tip bioassay method gives critical data for evaluating an agent's action mechanisms and impacts on genetic material.

Cytotoxic and Micronuclei Inducing Effects of Petroleum Ether Fraction of Leaf Aqueous Extract of <i>Clerodendrum viscosum</i> Vent. in <i>Allium cepa</i> Root Tip Cells

Clerodendrum viscosum is a traditionally used medicinal plant. The present study aimed to analyze a detailed cytotoxic effect of the nonpolar petroleum ether fraction (AQPEF) of leaf aqueous extract of C. viscosum Vent. (LAECV) in Allium cepa root tip cells. The LAECV was fractionated with petroleum ether and tested for A. cepa toxicity at early hours (2 and 4 h treatment) at concentrations 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 {micro}g mL-1. The highest aberrant cell percentage (10.45{+/-}0.46%) was scored from 150 {micro}g mL-1 followed by100 {micro}g mL-1 (8.75{+/-}0.26%) concentration at 4 h treated samples. The AQPEF treatment induced a significant (p<0.0001) increase in micronuclei frequency; 4.31{+/-}0.33, 5.08{+/-}0.13, 5.05{+/-}0.22 and 3.05{+/-}0.37% respectively at concentrations 50, 100, 150, and 200 {micro}g mL-1. The highest polyploid frequency (20.14{+/-}0.68 %) induced with 100 {micro}g mL-1 of AQPEF at 16 h recovery. 150 {micro}g mL-1 is the most effective concentration of AQPEF to decipher its activity similar to colchicine (150 {micro}g mL-1). In summary, the present study indicates petroleum ether is suitable for extraction of the active phytochemicals of LAECV having cytotoxic effects on A. cepa root tip cells. The AQPEF has colchicine like micronuclei, polyploidy, and mitotic abnormality inducing potentials in A. cepa root apical meristem cells.

Synthesis of novel salicylic acid-pyrrolone conjugates and investigation of their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in Allium cepa root tip cells

Synthesis of novel salicylic acid-pyrrolone conjugates and investigation of their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in Allium cepa root tip cells

Assessment of Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Leached Chemicals from HDPE Plastic Commonly Used by Ambulant Vendors

Plasticizers and additives in plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles have been found to leach – especially when exposed to certain stresses, including temperature. Frequent exposure to these chemicals is associated with a higher risk of developing developmental and reproductive disorders and cancer. In this study, water at varying temperatures (28, 65, 75, and 85 °C) was contained in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic “labo,” a food packaging material common in the Philippines. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the leached chemicals were derivatives of plastic additives and compounds or degradation compounds of these chemicals. Notable leachates include dimethyl sulfoxide, isosorbide, and cyclohexene derivatives. Different compounds leached at different temperatures. The Allium cepa test revealed chromosomal aberrations such as anaphase with bridge, sticky chromosomes, and chromosomal breaks. These signify that the compounds may be genotoxic to Allium cepa root tip cells. The Allium cepa test, brine shrimp lethality assay, and MTT assay on MCF-7 cells were also conducted as preliminary cytotoxicity tests. Results showed an increase in mitotic activity for Allium cepa root tip cells and induced proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the mortality rates of Artemia salina were low after 24 h of exposure. These findings provide additional information regarding the leaching from plastic labo – the identity of leached chemicals and the effects of exposure on various cell lines and organisms. These findings may be used as a basis for existing policies regarding the use of plastic as food packaging material.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oil from invasive plant, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Essential oils have been evaluated as appropriate phytotoxins with mechanisms of action that are different from those of synthetic herbicides applied in weed management activities, but little is known about the effect of Ambrosia artemisiifolia essential oil (EO) on weeds. Here, the chemical composition of A. artemisiifolia EO was analyzed using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry system. and the phytotoxic activities of the EO against monocot (Poa annua, Setaria viridis) and dicot (Amaranthus retroflexus, Medicago sativa) species are evaluated under laboratory and green-house conditions for the first time. The EO was rich in sesquiterpenes (62.51%), with germacrene D (32.92%), β-pinene (15.14%), limonene (9.90%), and caryophyllene (4.49%) being the major compounds based on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis results. A. artemisiifolia EO inhibited seed germination and seedling development significantly in the tested species even at low concentrations (0.25 mg mL−1). In addition, bioassay results for the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) increased and then decreased with an increase in EO concentration. Unlike the enzymatic activity, root cell viability declined significantly in the tested weeds in all EO treatments. Besides, a foliar spray experiment resulted in visible injury in leaves and a decrease in chlorophyll content and eventually led to wilting of all tested weeds. The EO (0.25–5.00 mg mL−1) altered Allium cepa root tip cells with a decline in mitotic index and an increase in chromosomal aberrations after 24 h treatment. The cytotoxic evaluation confirmed the mitotic inhibitory effect of EO, although the intensity varied under different concentrations. According to the results, A. artemisiifolia EO has the potential applications as a natural herbicide owing to its phytotoxic activity; which also helps to explain their potential involvement in allelopathic interaction of volatile compounds present in the EO that facilitate the invasion success of the exotic species.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Some Azo Dyes in Allium cepa Root Tip Cells

Azo dyes (AD-1, AD-2) were synthesized from the reaction diazonium salts of the aromatic amines salt with the enaminone derivative. The chemical structure of the synthesized novel azo dye (AD-2) was characterized by elemental analysis and other spectral techniques (FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR). Azo dyes are used frequently in the industry and pose a great danger especially for water resources. In this respect, azo dyes threaten many products indirectly in agricultural applications. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of potential azo dyes (AD-1, AD-2) that can be used in industrial applications were determined using Allium test system in five different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µM). As a result of the cytogenetic analyzes, it was determined that both azo dyes significantly reduced the number of divisions of A. cepa cells and caused chromosomal abnormalities in dividing cells. As a result, in this research, it is emphasized that the azo dyes (AD-1, AD-2), which are potentially used in the industry, cause genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in the living structures.

Biosynthesis, characterization, and in vitro assessment on cytotoxicity of actinomycete-synthesized silver nanoparticles on Allium cepa root tip cells

BackgroundThe industrial production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and its commercial applications are being considerably increased in recent times, resulting in the release of AgNPs in the environment and enhanced probability of contaminations and their adverse effects on living systems. Based on this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of actinomycete-synthesized AgNPs on Allium cepa (A. cepa) root tip cells. A green synthesis method was employed for biosynthesis of AgNPs from Streptomyces sp. NS-33. However, morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular analysis were carried out to characterize the strain NS-33. Later, the synthesized AgNPs were characterized and antibacterial activity was also carried out against pathogenic bacteria. Finally, cytotoxic activity was evaluated on A. cepa root tip cells.ResultsResults showed the synthesis of spherical and polydispersed AgNPs with a characteristic UV-visible (UV-Vis.) spectral peak at 397 nm and average size was 32.40 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) depicted the presence of silver, whereas Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies indicated the presence of various functional groups. The phylogenetic relatedness of Streptomyces sp. NS-33 was found with Streptomyces luteosporeus through gene sequencing. A good antibacterial potential of AgNPs was observed against two pathogenic bacteria. Concerning cytotoxicity, a gradually decreased mitotic index (MI) and increased chromosomal aberrations were observed along with the successive increase of AgNPs concentration.ConclusionsTherefore, the release of AgNPs into the environment must be prevented, so that it cannot harm plants and other beneficial microorganisms.

ANTIMITOTIC AND GENOTOXICITY EFFECTS OF WILD LIBYAN ARTICHOKE CYNARA CORNIGERA LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACT

Allium cepa root tip cells were used to find out the effect of Cynara cornigera extract on chromosomal structure and behavior during cell division. To measure the mitotic index and chromosome aberration in treated cells. The root meristem cells were treated with different concentrations of Cynara cornigera leaves aqueous extract (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml) for 4, 6 and 12 hours, respectively. The results indicate that aqueous extracts of C. cornigera plant have the ability to decrease the (MI) values with increasing the concentration at (P&lt;0.005). The treatments have caused different kinds of mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations, such as: Change percentage of mitotic phases, C-metaphase, Stickiness, Disturbed nuclear membrane, Highly condensation of prophase and Accumulation of cell in interphase. KEY WORDS: Bioassay: Cynara cornigera: Leaf extract: Artichoke; Chromosomal aberrations.

In vitro toxicological evaluation of domestic effluent treated by formulated synthetic autochthonous bacterial consortium.

Supplementation of consortium comprising of aboriginal bacterial species with high degradation capacity can significantly enhance the biodegradation process of the domestic wastewater. The present study examined the bioremediation of domestic wastewater using a novel bacterial consortium comprising of five autochthonous bacterial strains with high potential for reduction in BOD, COD and protein content to 89%, 55% and 86%, respectively after 24h of incubation. HPLC and GC-MS analyses revealed that the chosen consortium had successfully degraded wide-ranging complex organic compounds, which is crucial in the decontamination of wastewater. Phytotoxicity assay of the effluent exhibited that the seeds of Vigna radiata showed better growth and germination when subjected to wastewater treated by novel bacterial consortium as compared to the seeds exposed to untreated wastewater. Further, raw and treated wastewater were assessed for their genotoxicity with comet assay which displayed the intensity of DNA damage in the Allium cepa root tip cells before and after exposure to treated effluent. It is evident from the demonstrated results that the formulated bacterial consortium can be used successfully in a small-scale wastewater treatment plant.

English

There has been a growing interest in medicinal plants by the locals of the Pacific Islands since it is readily available. Annona muricata, commonly called soursop is one of such plants which is popular because it is being used to treat initial stages of cancer due to its antioxidant properties. This study investigated various extraction methods which could be used to compare and see the effectiveness of each on the chromosomes. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effect were studied using Allium cepa root tip cells. Eight onion bulbs were subjected to the treatment groups which were made using methanol, water and hexane extracts of A. muricata. Three different concentrations from each extraction solvent were used. The A. cepa root tip cells were subjected for 24 h to three different leaf extractions after left to grow in water. Concentrations of 12.5, 25 and 50 g/L were used. After the treatment, onion bulbs were put back in water to recover. Hence, 5 root tips from each bulb were removed (before treatment, treatment and recovery) with cells undergoing mitosis counted under 400x of a compound microscope. All studied concentrations of A. muricata methanol extract showed significant (p≤0.05) drop in the mean mitotic index when compared with control (mean MI reduced by 9.9, 44.4 and 54.2% for 12.5, 25 and 50 g/L respectively). A. muricata water extract also showed significant differences at 12.5 g/L where mitotic index (MI) was reduced by 8.6%. At 25 g/L, the reduction was by 35.3% and by 42.8% at 50 g/L. Drastic effect (p≤0.05) was observed with the soursop-hexane extract that reduced the MI significantly in 12.5 g/L by 5.0% and by 29.7% at 25 g/L. A huge reduction in MI was observed at 50 g/L where MI declined by 72.8%. Chromosomal aberrations were also observed which indicates the genotoxicity of the extracts. All the extraction methods contributed significantly towards the drop in total MI. Compounds in the extracts is mitodepressive. Key words: Allium cepa, Annona muricata, chromosome aberration, cytotoxicity, mitosis, mitotic index.

Evaluation of Antimitotic Activity of Mukia maderaspatana L. Leaf Extract in Allium cepa Root Model

Mukia maderaspatana L. (called as “musumusukkai” in Tamil) is an important medicinal plant used as a herbal drug in cough and cold by folklores. The present study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of various leaf extract (hexane, chloroform, acetone, ethylacetate, ethanol and aqueous) of M. Maderaspatana on meristematic cells of root tips of Allium cepa. Locally available Allium cepa bulbs were grown in 50ml water for 48 hours for root sprouting and then they were exposed to 10mg/ml concentration of each of the extract separately for 48 hours. Tap water was used as control and the cytotoxic drug methotrexate (1mg/ml) served as standard. The results indicated that the mitotic index and root growth rate of A.cepa were considerably decreased in treated in comparison to the control. Also the most effective extract was found to be acetone which reduced the mitotic index significantly. Its EC50 was found to be 10 mg/ml. Further, it was able to induce a high DNA fragmentation followed by leaf ethanol extract in Allium cepa root tip cells.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects of water boiled in aluminum vessels on Allium cepa root tip cells.

Cookwares made from aluminum (Al) are supposed to be a potential source of Al contamination of food. In this study, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects of water boiled in aluminum cookwares on the dividing cells of onion root tip were examined using Allium cepa assay. Three used aluminum cookwares from different sources were selected. Distilled water was gently boiled in each pot and then used for growing onions. The cells of root tip were analyzed for mitotic and phase indexes as well as aberrations appeared in the interphase and mitotic phase. One way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey HSD test were applied for comparison between experimental groups. The results showed that the mitotic index in one of the treated groups increased significantly compared to the control. Also the frequency of prophase in two of treated groups increased significantly compared to that of the control. There was a borderline significant increase in the frequency average of total aberrations from three treated groups compared to that of the control (p value = 0.063). Also, a significant increase was observed in the frequency average of disturbed mitosis from three treated groups compared to that of the control (p value = 0.04). The findings of this preliminary study supported a possible health hazard of aluminum cookwares. Further investigation with larger sample and food with various compositions is needed to reach a full conclusion about the health effect of aluminum cookwares.