Mitotic abnormalities and micronuclei inducing potentials of colchicine and leaf aqueous extracts of Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. in Allium cepa root apical meristem cells

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate mitotic abnormality and micronuclei inducing potentials of colchicine and the leaf aqueous extracts of Clerodendrum viscosum (LAECV) in Allium cepa root apical meristem cells. A. cepa roots were exposed to LAECV (1–8 mg ml^–1) and colchicine (0.4 mg ml^–1) for 4 h and allowed to recover in water for 16 h. Root tips (treated and recovery samples) were fixed, stained and squashed; the mitotic abnormalities and micronuclei frequency were analyzed under light microscope. The microscopic study revealed both colchicine and LAECV treatment could induce different types of mitotic abnormalities including c-metaphase, vagrant chromosomes, sticky chromosomes, anaphase bridges and increased frequency of micronuclei, along with a reduction in mitotic index in onion root apical meristem cells. Thus cyto-genotoxic effects of colchicine and LAECV are explored and compared here. Data indicate colchicine and LAECV treatment show similarity in cyto-genotoxic potentials. In conclusion, as both the substances have therapeutic potentials and also with cyto-genotoxic actions; therefore, extreme caution should be exercised in prescribing them in medication.

Keywords:

• Micronucleus
• Clerodendrum viscosum
• colchicine
• genotoxicity