Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous root extract of Arctium lappa on Allium cepa Linn root tip cells

Arctium lappa has been used for years in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-HIV activities. In this study cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of A. lappa root aqueous extract on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa have been examined. Onion bulbs were exposed to 12, 62.5 and 125 mg/ml concentrations of the extracts for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The test concentrations have been determined according to doses which are recommended for use in alternative medicine. There has been statistically significant (P < .05) inhibition of cell division and mitotic index depending on concentration by the extracts when compared with the control. All the tested extracts have been observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. A. lappa root extract induces the total number of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells significantly when compared with control. Two the tested concentrations were observed to have mitodepressive effects on cell division and induced mitotic spindle disturbance in Allium cepa. These results suggest the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the A. lappa root extracts on A. cepa.