Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Activities of Croton zambesicus Muell Arg. Leaf Extract
Chinyelu Clementina Osigwe1*, Jude Efiom Okokon2, Ukeagbu Wilfred1, Ugonma Florence Uwaeme1, Imoh Imeh Johnny3
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
| Key words:
Croton zambesicus; cytotoxic; genotoxic, Allium cepa, apoptosis
*Corresponding author: drchinyeluosigwe@gmail.com; Page No: 1-9 |
AbstractCroton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of diseases was evaluated for genotoxic and cytotoxic effects using Allium cepa (onion) test. The effect of the leaf extract on the root meristematic cells of Allium cepa was assessed macroscopically and microscopically using onion bulbs exposed to 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL concentrations of the extract. Tap water and methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) were used as a negative and positive control respectively. The extract significantly (P < 0.05) caused concentration-dependent inhibition of the onion root growth. The extract exerted cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. The extract-induced chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa root tip cells and root growth inhibition were significant (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group. Treatment with the extract resulted in cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells. These results suggest that the leaf extract of Croton zambesicus possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa.
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