Assessment of Antimutagenic and Genotoxic Potential of Origanum majorana Aqueous Extract using in vitro Assays

Origanum majorana has certain therapeutic properties and the benefits of using it in the form of a herbal tea (infusion) were recorded for treatment many disorder in Saudi Arabia. In the present investigation, the antimutagenic and genotoxic potential of Origanum majorana was evaluated in Vicia faba root meristem cells. So far there is no report on the biological properties of Origanum majorana in plant test systems. The root tip cells were treated with sodium azide at 250 and 350 µg/ml for 6 h and Origanum majorana was given at 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml for 20 h, prior to sodium azide treatment. The tips were squashed after colchicine treatment and the cells were analyzed for chromosome aberration and mitotic index. Origanum majorana induces chromosomal aberration in Vicia faba root tip cells in an insignificant manner, when compared with untreated control. Sodium azide alone induces chromosomal aberrations significantly with increasing concentrations. The total number of aberrations was significantly reduced in root tip cells pretreated with Origanum majorana. The study reveals that Origanum majorana has antimutagenic potential against sodium azide induced chromosomal aberrations in Vicia faba root meristem cells. In addition, it showed mild cytotoxicity by reducing the percentage of mitotic index in all O. majorana treated groups, but the mechanism of action remains unknown. The antimutagenic potential of Origanum majorana is effective at 50 µg/ml in Vicia faba root meristem cells