Cytogenotoxic assessment of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) leaves in Allium cepa L. root-tip meristem cells

The cytogenotoxic effects of Momordica charantia L. was assessed using Allium cepa L. root tip meristem assay. Root tips of A. cepa were exposed to different concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%) of aqueous extract of M. charantia. Mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and the percentage incidence of abberant cells were determined. Results revealed that M. charantia extract exhibited cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and these were concentration dependent. Among the extract concentrations, 1% extract recorded the highest mitotic index of 80.86% whereas 7% showed the lowest mitotic index of 11.00%. In terms of genotoxicity, all extract treated cells showed different chromosomal aberrations and these include vagrant chromosome, bridging, disturbed anaphase, polyploidy, ghost cell, elongated nucleus, binucleated cell, micronucleus, C-metaphase, pointed nucleus, and stickiness. The number of aberrant cells increased in increasing concentration of the extract. The 7% of extract significantly produced the highest incidence of 84.84% while the 1% of extract had the lowest incidence of 2.89%