Effect of water extract from leaves of Nerium oleander L. on mitosis

The effect of water extract from leaves of Nerium oleander L. on the mitosis in meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. root tips has been studied. Observations were made on the changes during incubation and postincubation. Significant disturbances were observed in the development of the mitotic spindle leading to the formation of polyploid and hypoploid nuclei capable of further division. Substances contained in the water extract, and causing the disturbances, are water soluble glycosides. Introductory observations under an electron microscope indicate that the glycosides desorganize the continuous fibres of the spindle which can be considered as the direct cause of the observed disturbances