Allium Cepa Root Research Articles

The Allium cepa comet assay for environmental sample assessment: a scoping review.

The purposes of this review were to investigate the application of the comet assay in Allium cepa root cells to assess the genotoxicity of environmental samples and to analyse the experimental procedures employed. A literature search was performed selecting articles published between January 2000 and October 2023 from online databases using the combined search terms 'comet assay' and 'A. cepa'. Only 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. None of these were published in the first eight years (2000-2007), highlighting the increasing interest in using the comet assay on A. cepa to analyse environmental samples over the last decade. The majority of the selected studies (15/18, 83%) were performed on samples belonging to the water compartment on onion bulbs. Half of the selected studies (9/18) were conducted to demonstrate the DNA damaging effect of the sample, while the other half of the studies not only recognized the presence of genotoxic agents but also addressed possible remediation measures. Detailed analysis of the experimental procedures revealed heterogeneity in many key steps, such as exposure time, test controls, nuclei isolation solutions, duration of electrophoresis, and number of nuclei scored. This literature review has shown that the comet assay on A. cepa, although recognized as an appropriate tool, is underutilized in environmental toxicology. Greater standardization could lead to its more widespread use, providing valuable information on the genotoxicity of environmental samples and the ability of different processes to mitigate their negative effects on plants.

Cytotoxicity and Mito-depressive Effect of Synthetic Lemon Flavour Food Dye on Allium Cepa Root Tips

Cytotoxicity and Mito-depressive Effect of Synthetic Lemon Flavour Food Dye on Allium Cepa Root Tips

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.

Assessment of synthetic food dye erythrosine induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, biochemical and molecular alterations in Allium cepa root meristematic cells: insights from in silico study.

Synthetic food dyes are being exponentially used in food products and scarce studies regarding their toxicities and safety raise concern. Erythrosine is one of the synthetic food dyes being used in jams, fig, pineapple marmalades, dairy products, soft drinks, pickles, relishes, smoked fish, cheese, ketchup, maraschino cherries and a variety of other foods. In this study the cyto-genotoxic effect of erythrosine was evaluated, using root meristematic cells of Allium cepa for the cellular and molecular alternations at concentrations 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL. The results revealed a significant decrease of 57.81% in the mitotic index after 96h at the 0.1mg/mL concentration. In biochemical analysis, the malondialdehyde content increased significantly (5.47-fold), while proline content, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase activity decreased gradually in a concentration-dependent manner showing a maximum decrease of 78.11%, 64.68% and 61.73% respectively at the highest concentration after 96h duration. The comet assay revealed increased DNA damage with increasing concentration and attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis showed significant alterations in biomolecules as indicated by multivariate analysis, i.e. Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding energy (Gbest=-11.46kcal/mol) and an inhibition constant (Ki) of 3.96nM between erythrosine and the DNA minor groove. The present study's findings revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of erythrosine on A. cepa root cells. Further, the study also proposed the usefulness of A. cepa as a model system for studying the toxicity of food additives.

Effect of sewage wastewater on the mitotic index of the root tips of Allium cepa in koya city /Kurdistan region of Iraq

The purpose of the experiment was to investigate onion (Allium cepa) root growth, cell division, and mitotic index. The onions were placed into four different water samples (Control water, Azadi bridge, Sar Razan, and Sar Baskan) for 72 hours in beakers. The results showed that the number of divided cells decreased significantly in the sewage water compared with the control water. The control water had a high percentage of divided cells (18%), whereas the Sar Razan sewage water had the least percentage of divided cells (1.3%). The percentage of divided cells in Sar Baskan sewage water was 2%, and the percentage of divided cells in Azadi Bridge was 2.6%. It was found that the mitotic index and the number of divided cells increased in the control water compared to the sewage water. The results showed that sewage water has a greater impact on root growth, cell division, and mitotic index of root tips of Allium cepa.

Evaluation and Simulation of the Adsorption Capacity of Octocrylene Sunscreen on Commercial Carbon and Biochar from Spent Coffee Beans

The emerging pollutant octocrylene is not efficiently removed from effluents by conventional treatment and is recurrently found in rivers. This study evaluated the adsorption of octocrylene using commercial carbon and biochar from spent coffee grounds activated with ZnCl2. The two adsorbents had an efficiency of approximately 100% in pollutant removal throughout the experimental design. The kinetics and equilibrium isotherms showed a good correlation with the experimental data. The kinetics showed adsorption of the contaminant in 40 min for both adsorbents. The model equilibrium isotherms with the best fit and adsorption capacity was Langmuir for biochar, with a capacity of 37.822 ± 0.005 µg∙mg−1 compared to 33.602 ± 0.202 µg∙mg−1 for commercial carbon. Furthermore, a toxicity analysis of a 600 µg∙L−1 octocrylene solution was carried out before and after adsorption with the two charcoals separately, using Allium cepa roots. Before adsorption, the solution was phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic. After adsorption, the solution obtained for each charcoal no longer caused toxicity to the roots. The charcoals tested had high removal efficiency and adsorption capacity, a condition reiterated by the toxicity results. However, biochar better represented the Langmuir model in the adsorption process when removing octocrylene from the aqueous medium.

Elemental Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-genotoxic Properties of Nitophyllum punctatum

ObjectivesMarine algae are important sources of nutritionally and pharmacologically important products. Here in the study, nutritional composition and biological activities of a marine red algae Nitophyllum punctatum were assessed. The present study aimed to analyze the nutritional composition and biological effects of the N. punctatum. MethodsThe marine algae N. punctatum was collected, shade dried and extracted using Soxhelet apparatus. The elemental composition was estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; the anti-inflammatory effect was determined using Raw 264.7 macrophages. Genotoxicity was assessed by standard methods using Allium cepa root model. ResultsThe elemental composition analysis revealed the presence of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, indicating the potential nutritional value of the algae. The extract demonstrated significant inhibition of Nitric oxide (NO) production and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, the anti-genotoxic potential of the methanol extract was evaluated using the Allium cepa model, a well-established system for assessing genotoxicity. Onion root tips were treated with various concentrations of the extract, and the chromosomal changes were performed as indicators of genotoxicity. Results indicated a protective effect against Ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS) induced genotoxicity in onion roots. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the methanol extract of N. punctatum possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-genotoxic properties, which may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. The study highlights the potential pharmacological importance of N. punctatum as a source of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-genotoxic activities.

Total aerobic plate count and onion (Allium cepa) root tip assay using banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Pseudostem accumulated water with thin-layer chromatography as confirmatory test

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It can originate from any of the trillions of cells in the human body. Normally, cells grow and divide as needed, but cancer disrupts this process, causing abnormal cells to multiply uncontrollably. According to Monda et al. (2021), the pseudostem of the banana tree possess anticancer activities due to the phytochemicals present, which is why the researchers want to determine whether the accumulated water inside the banana pseudostem also holds the potential to become an alternative anti-cancer treatment. The researchers utilized total aerobic plate counting and Allium cepa root tip assay for the researchers to evaluate the potability of the banana pseudostem accumulated water and assess its inhibitory properties for cell growth, respectively. Based on the findings of the study, the total number of aerobic plates is too numerous to be counted (TNTC) and from the ANOVA analysis conducted, there was no significant difference among the cell growth inhibition. To verify this result, thin-layer chromatography was used to determine if there are any phytochemicals present within the sample possessing anticancer properties. No phytochemicals with such characteristics were identified. In conclusion, the banana pseudostem accumulated water is not a suitable alternative for anticancer medications. The researchers recommended considering other factors that might affect the quality of the sample. They also suggested subjecting the data to a more in-depth analysis, such as examining the Mitotic Index and chromosomal aberrations, to obtain more specific information.

Biodecolorization and biodegradation of Reactive Green 12 textile industry dye and their post-degradation phytotoxicity-genotoxicity assessments.

The employment of versatile bacterial strains for the efficient degradation of carcinogenic textile dyes is a sustainable technology of bioremediation for a neat, clean, and evergreen globe. The present study has explored the eco-friendly degradation of complex Reactive Green 12 azo dye to its non-toxic metabolites for safe disposal in an open environment. The bacterial degradation was performed with the variable concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 500mg/L) of Reactive Green 12 dye. The degradation and toxicity of the dye were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis, and phytotoxicity and genotoxicity assay, respectively. The highest 97.8% decolorization was achieved within 12h. Alternations in the peaks and retentions, thus, along with modifications in the functional groups and chemical bonds, confirmed the degradation of Reactive Green 12. The disappearance of a major peak at 1450cm-1 corresponding to the -N=N- azo link validated the breaking of azo bonds and degradation of the parent dye. The 100% germination of Triticum aestivum seed and healthy growth of plants verified the lost toxicity of degraded dye. Moreover, the chromosomal aberration of Allium cepa root cell treatment also validated the removal of toxicity through bacterial degradation. Thereafter, for efficient degradation of textile dye, the bacterium is recommended for adaptation to the sustainable degradation of dye and wastewater for further application of degraded metabolites in crop irrigation for sustainable agriculture.

Efecto antitoxicológico del tocosh de papa (Solanum tuberosum) frente al sulfametoxazol-trimetropina en raíces de cebolla (Allium cepa)

Varios fármacos de venta libre son ofrecidos a pacientes y no les alcanzan información de los efectos secundarios por su consumo frecuente. Ello estimuló a valorar el efecto antitoxicológico del tocosh de papa (Solanum tuberosum) frente al sulfametoxasol-trimetropina en raíces de cebolla (Allium cepa). Se desarrollaron raícillas de 3,0 cm en 20 bulbos de cebolla, las cuales se sostuvieron en cuatro procedimientos: testigo (100 ml de agua destilada), problema 1 (20 uL de tocosh), problema 2 (sulfametoxasol-trimetropina 1%) y problema 3 (sulfametoxasol-trimetropina 1% más 20 uL de tocosh.). Se aplicó la técnica de coloración de Tjio y Levan para la observación celular. El grupo 3 presentó: anomalías cromosómicas clastogénicas: puentes (2,3%), puentes múltiples (1,2%), cromosoma en c-metafase (0,5%) y aneugénicas: cromosoma pegajoso (1,1%) y yema nuclear (1,3%) y sin aberraciones (99,6%) mientras la agrupación que recibió antibiótico más tocosh expresó falta de anormalidades cromosómicas. En las condiciones de laboratorio, a una dosis de 2uL de tocosh se percibió el mejor efecto antitoxicológico en raicillas de Allium cepa lo cual muestra al tocosh como una alternativa antitoxicológica ante el poder tóxico de ciertos fármacos.

Exploring the antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic properties of lasiosiphon glaucus or gnidia glauca (fresen.) gilg leaf alkaloid extract: insights from experimental and in silico investigations

Plant alkaloids are nitrogen containing secondary metabolites that have wide range of biological properties including anticancer activity. ‘Lasiosiphon glaucus’, or ‘Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg,’ known for its biological properties, requires exploration to evaluate cytotoxic and anticancer effects. The present study is aimed to evaluate L. glaucus leaf alkaloid extract (LgLAE) for antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic properties. LgLAE demonstrated comparable antimitotic efficacy to methotrexate in Allium cepa root meristematic cells. Thrombolytic evaluation showed a maximum observed clot lysis of 41.39 ± 0.21% at 2 mg/100 µL. Cytotoxicity assay shows greater inhibition of MCF-7 (144.51 μg/mL) cancer cell proliferation than MCF-10A cells (409.86 μg/mL), indicating potential cancer-specific effects. Computational analysis revealed strong binding affinities between L. glaucus alkaloids (Ergocristine, Solasodine, Solanocapsine, Delphinine, and Harmidine) and relevant receptors. These findings highlight L. glaucus contains valuable natural compounds with pharmacological effects, particularly in antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic effects, it essential for further investigation for cancer treatment.

Quantitative assessment of paclitaxel in Taxus wallichiana zucc. bark using HPTLC densitometry: Insights for germplasm selection and toxicological studies

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. [Synonym: Taxus baccata subsp. Wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilg.] or Himalayan Yew belonging to the evergreen gymnosperm family Taxaceae, grows in temperate regions and has been used in traditional medicines to treat cancer, bronchial disorders, colds, cough, etc. The plant is known to contain paclitaxel (PTX), a key bioactive component with anticancer properties. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used in the present study to estimate paclitaxel from the bark of T. wallichiana obtained from 15 different geographical locations in the eastern and western Himalayas of India. HPTLC method was determined to be a reliable and efficient technique for the quantification of paclitaxel, offering rapid outcomes.The bark materials of T. wallichiana chemotype obtained from Sikkim (Samanden) contained the highest concentration of paclitaxel, followed by West Bengal (Sandakphu), Arunachal Pradesh (Dibang Valley), and respectively. The present study also examined the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the aqueous bark extract of the TW1 chemotype at various doses on the meristematic cells derived from the roots of Allium cepa L.. The bark extracts demonstrate considerable cytotoxic and mitotic properties. This study could be useful to the pharmaceutical industry for selecting elite (high paclitaxel-producing) chemotypes of T. wallichiana. The toxicological evaluation of the T. wallichiana chemotypes (using Allium cepa test) could also help to determine the genotoxic properties of the bark extract.

Phytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of organic and inorganic contaminants detected in pharmaceutical industrial wastewaters using Vigna radiata and Allium cepa

The discharged effluent of pharmaceutical industrial wastewater treatment plants (PIWWTPs) exhibits substantial environmental toxicity due to the intricate combination of organic and inorganic pollutants. This study assessed the phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity of untreated and treated pharmaceutical industrial wastewater (PIWW). Most of the physicochemical parameters viz. COD, BOD, EC, sulfide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, grease, phenols, and metal concentrations viz. B, Cr, Ca, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and As in untreated wastewater (UTW) were noted beyond the permissible limit and remained higher in treated wastewater (TW). The findings revealed that the performance of PIWWTP was woefully inadequate. The GC-MS spectra of UTW and TW revealed the presence of various organic contaminants. The toxicological studies showed that the UTW had a high degree of phytotoxicity, which persisted even after the treatment as it inhibited the seed germination in Vigna radiata. The seed germination was inhibited up to 70% and 50% tested at 50% concentration of UTW and TW respectively. Genotoxicity was measured by determining mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root apex grown in untreated and treated PIWW. Compared to the negative control, the mitotic index dropped to 85% and 75% at the 50% concentrations of UTW and TW, respectively. Chromosomal aberrations were also found in the cellular mass of root apex growing in both UTW and TW. According to the findings, it is unsafe for the environment to release PIWW that has not been properly treated, as this could pose serious risks to environmental health.

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.

Tissue-specific variations of piperine in ten populations of Piper longum L.: bioactivities and toxicological profile

P. longum L., one of the most significant species of the genus Piperaceae, is most frequently employed in Indian-Ayurvedic and other traditional medicinal-systems for treating a variety of illnesses. The alkaloid piperine, is the key phytoconstituent of the plant, primarily responsible for its’ pharmacological-impacts. The aim of the study is to analyse the intra-specific variation in piperine content among different chemotypes (PL1 to PL 30) and identify high piperine yielding chemotype (elite-chemotype) collected from 10 different geographical regions of West Bengal by validated HPTLC chromatography method. The study also focused on the pharmacological-screening to better understand the antioxidant activity of the methanol extracts of P. longum by DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity and genotoxic activity by Allium cepa root tip assay. It was found that the P. longum fruit chemotypes contain high amount piperine (highest 16.362 mg/g in chemotype PL9) than the stem and leaf chemotypes. Both DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays revealed that P. longum showed moderate radical-scavenging activity and the highest activity was found in PL9 (fruit) chemotype with IC50 values of 124.2 ±0.97\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\pm 0.97$$\\end{document} and 104 ±0.78\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\pm 0.78$$\\end{document} µg/ml respectively. The A. cepa root tip assay showed no such significant genotoxic-effect and change in mitotic-index. The quick, reproducible, and validated HPTLC approach offers a useful tool for determining quantitative variations of piperine among P. longum chemotypes from different geographical-regions and also according to the different tissues and choose elite genotypes with high piperine production for continued propagation and commercialization for the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, the plant's in-vitro antioxidant property and lack of genotoxicity directly supports its’ widespread and long history of use as a medicinal and culinary plant.

Ecotoxicological assessment of metformin as an antidiabetic water residue treated by electron beam accelerator irradiation

Metformin (MET), an antidiabetic compound, has received increasing attention, as it cannot be effectively removed during conventional wastewater treatment processes and may act as an endocrine disruptor. Electron beam irradiation (EBI) is an eco-friendly process able to degrade and neutralize biohazardous pollution almost instantly. In this context, this study applied EBI to MET degradation and detoxification in aqueous solutions. A 98% MET degradation rate and TOC removal of 19.04 ± 1.20% at a 1.0 kGy EBI dose was obtained, with up to 65% mineralization reached at 5.0 kGy. Toxicity assays were performed with Vibrio fischeri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Daphnia similis, and the findings indicate that generated byproducts were only more toxic to D. similis. This reveals the need to assess organisms belonging to different trophic levels. A cytotoxic assessment employing Allium cepa roots demonstrated no toxic effects concerning untreated and irradiated samples.

A study on effects of cell phone tower-emitted non-ionizing radiations in an Allium cepa test system.

Considering enormous growth in population, technical advancement, and added reliance on electronic devices leading to adverse health effects, in situ simulations were made to evaluate effects of non-ionizing radiations emitted from three cell phone towers (T1, T2, and T3) of frequency bands (800, 1800, 2300MHz), (900, 1800, 2300MHz), and (1800MHz), respectively. Five sites (S1-S5) were selected near cell phone towers exhibiting different power densities. The site with zero power density was considered as control. Effects of radiations were studied on morphology; protein content; antioxidant enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR); and genotoxicity using Allium cepa. Mean power density (μW/cm2) was recorded as 1.05, 1.18, 1.6, 2.73, and 12.9 for sites 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. A significant change in morphology, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight in Allium cepa was observed under the exposure at different sites. Protein content of roots showed significant difference for samples at all sites while bulbs at sites S4 and S5 when compared to control. Antioxidant activity for root in terms of APX, GST, and POD showed significant changes at S4 and S5 and GR at site S5 and SOD at S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5. Similarly, bulbs showed significant changes at sites S4 and S5 for APX while at sites S3, S4, and S5 for POD and S2, S3, S4, and S5 for SOD and S5 for GR and GST. Genotoxicity study has shown induction of abnormalities at different stages of the cell cycle in Allium cepa root tips. The samples under exposure to radiation with maximum power density have shown maximum induction of oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activities of Schinus molle (L.) extracts

AbstractSchinus molle seeds and leaves are frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases. This study aims to explore the potential of Schinus mole (L.) seed and leaf extracts in terms of their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. The study utilized GC-MS spectroscopy, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and cytotoxicity techniques to evaluate the extracts. The result of phytochemical analysis revealed that Schinus molle seed extract contains seven peaks with a major compound, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (59.11%), followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (10.84), while Schinus molle leaf extract exhibits sixteen peaks with a main compound, squalene (16.87%), followed by azulene (14.88%) and lupeol (12.4%). The Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited the high antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 15 ± 0.57 to 27.33 ± 0.88 mm against tested microorganisms. In addition, it was investigated that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different extracts against microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, and Cryptococcus neoformans, were found to be 62.5 μg/ml, while Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has a MIC of 125 μg/ml with seed extract and 250 μg/ml with leaf extract. The other strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a MIC of 500 μg/ml in both seed and leaf extracts. Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited considerable antioxidant action compared with ascorbic acid. Moreover, significant variation in the effects on Allium cepa root tips was observed upon treatment with Schinus molle seed and leaf extracts. The mitotic index in the group receiving Schinus molle seed and leaf extract showed a significant decrease when compared to the control cells. This decrease was based on the duration and dosage of exposure. On the other hand, there was a clear increase in the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities. Finally, the findings showed that Schinus molle seed and leaf extract exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticytotoxic activities and revealed that they are a significant source of bioactive compounds with the possibility of use in biomedical applications.

ESTRESSE TOXICOLÓGICO EM UM RIO ALTAMENTE IMPACTADO NO AMBIENTE PORTUÁRIO DE SANTOS, SP

TOXICOLOGICAL STRESS IN A HIGHLY IMPACTED RIVER FROM THE PORT ENVIRONMENT OF SANTOS, SP. There are many stilts and industry, which discharge sewage, domestic garbage and industrial effluents in the Pouca Saúde River from the port environment of Santos, São Paulo (SP) State. However, ecotoxicological studies in this river are rare. In this study, we seek to fill this gap by analyzing physicochemical, toxicological, and chemical conditions. Surface water and sediment samples were collected at 2 sampling sites with riparian community activities and industrial activities in the summer, autumn, winter and spring. The parameters analyzed were pH, alkalinity, turbidity, salinity, oils, greases, dissolved oxygen (DO), toxicological and cytotoxicity with mitotic index (MI) of onion roots using Allium cepa roots, and concentration of Pb, Zn, Hg, Ni and Cd. Our results showed alterations in the DO, turbidity, oils/greases and reduction of MI when compared to the respective control. Ni and Zn in sediment samples presented concentrations exceeding levels occasionally associated with adverse biological effects “threshold effect level”. These results suggested that the water quality of the Pouca Saúde River is influenced by both presences of heavy metals contamination and the seasons, i.e. by the tide. Thus, the toxic potential monitoring carried out in this study is of paramount importance to this river.

EVALUATION OF CALCIUM CARBIDE'S CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS ON ONION (Allium cepa)

The purpose of this investigation was to see if Calcium Carbide (CaC2) had any harmful effects on onions (Allium cepa L.). Allium cepa root tips were grown in various concentrations of Calcium Carbide (CaC2) (0.25g, 0.50g, 0.75g, and 1.00g)/ 250ml, with distilled water serving as a control. For cytological tests, the root tips of Allium cepa growing in the treatments and control were removed daily between 7:30am and 8:30am. Pretreatment, fixation, hydrolysis, squashing, and staining of cells for mitotic investigations were performed, and data on cytological parameters were collected using a light microscope at a magnification of X40. The mitotic index (MI) and karyotype analysis were used to assess the data collected on these parameters. The results of this study showed that root tips treated with 0.25g of Calcium Carbide (CaC2) have a mitotic index of 45.83 and the rate of cell division decreases with an increase in the concentration of Calcium Carbide (CaC2) as the cell divides the mitotic index dropped sharply. These finding indicated that Calcium Carbide is a strong mitotic inhibitor and could give rise to mitotic abnormalities with increase in concentration and also reduced cell division. We therefore recommended that there is need for further investigation using lower concentrations of Calcium Carbide as well as other mutagenic substances in order to ascertain their effect on the chromosomal behavior.