Analysis of cytotoxic potential of the aqueous leaf extracts of pogostemon Auricularius (l.) Hassk. using Allium cepa root tip assay.

ABSTRACT

Pogostemon auricularius is an aromatic herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Objectives: In the present study we have utilized the Allium cepa root tip meristem model to evaluate the cytotoxic and antimitotic potential of P. auricularius. Methods: The roots of Allium cepa were exposed to different concentrations of the aqueous leaf extracts (0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.5%), for four different time durations, using distilled water as the control. Results: Chromosome anomalies including formation of sticky chromosomes, chromosome bridges and several other metaphasic and anaphasic disorders were induced by all the extract concentrations. Conclusions: Mitotic index was found to be decreasing, which was concentration dependent. All the extracts induced lowering of the mitotic index when compared to the distilled water control.