Chromosomal Aberrations Induced by Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) Leaf Extract in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Root Tip Cells

Abstract

The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of aqueous leaf extract of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) on the onion (Allium cepa L.) root tip cells were investigated in this study. The onion root tip cells showed decreased mitotic indices when the concentration of the calamansi leaf extracts was increased. Chromosomal aberrations were observed, such as multiple nuclei, strap nucleus, and pyknotic cells in onion root cells treated with varying concentrations. No chromosomal aberration was observed in control (distilled water). These results indicate that intake of medicinal plants with unregulated dosage may cause genetic damage.

Keywords

• allium cepa
• chromosome aberration
• citrus microcarpa
• dosage
• medicinal plant