Evaluation of the genotoxic effect of the aqueous solution of Illicium verum with the use of the biotestes Pisum sativum L. and Allium sativum

Abstract

Natural products have been widely used by the population around the world. The objective of this research was to evaluate the genotoxic effect of Illicium verum on the cell cycle of Pisum sativum L. and Allium sativum. In order to preparate the infusions, the dried fruits were purchased in the local commerce in the municipality of Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, four treatments were prepared in four concentrations for 200mL of distilled water: 1,5g, 3,0g, 4,5g, 6,0g, plus a positive control composed of 40 drops of paracetamol, and a negative control composed of distilled water. After 24, 48 and 72 hours, the radicles were collected from the infusions, fixed in methanol-acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours. Cells were analyzed at all stages of the cell cycle, totalizing 3000 cells, for each treatment group. Mitotic indexes (MI) were calculated and submitted to analysis of variance and the Scott Knott 5% test. The results showed that in the samples P. sativum and Allium sativum with negative control there was no anomaly. Mitotic indices increased as a result of the increased concentration of infusions. Chromosomes anomalies occurring in the roots of P. sativum, but A. sativum was less sensitive in the detection of anomalies. It was concluded that the infusions of I. verum, in the concentrations studied, have an antiproliferative and mutagenic effect on the cell cycle of P. sativum.

Keywords

• Star anise
• Genotoxicity
• Mitotic index