An Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of the Seed Decoction of Cassia tora Linn. (Leguminosae) in an Allium cepa Model

Cytological effects of Cassia tora seed decoction were evaluated in Allium cepa root tip cells. Bulbs were grown in pure tap water (controls, Gr. I) and also in six concentrations (0.15 mg/ml, 0.31 mg/ml, 0.62 mg/ml, 1.25 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml) of C. tora seed decoction in tap water (experimental, Grs. II). Parameters of study were 'mean root length ' and morphology i.e. colour and shape of root tips at 72 hr of cultivation and 'mitotic Index', chromosomal aberrations and abnormal mitosis at 48 hr of cultivation. Physico-chemical characterization of decoction was also made. No changes in the morphology of root tips occurred at any concentration of C. tora seed decoction, however, change in color did occur at all concentrations. Mitotic index and mean root length remained unaffected at first two concentrations but all higher four concentrations caused progressive mitodepression hence a decline in root growth occurred. No abnormal mitosis and no chromosomal aberration occurred at all at any concentration. Results suggest that water soluble constituents of C. tora seeds could only lower mitosis but not caused any adverse genotoxic effects in mitotically dividing A. cepa root cells under laboratory condition