Genotoxic Efficacy of Fruit Extract of Cestrum diurnum Using Allium cepa Assay

Onion (Allium cepa) root apical meristem cells were treated, for various exposure time, with various concentrations (0.1-0.4%) of fruit extract of Cestrum diurnum so as to assess its cyto-genotoxic potential. The treated root tips were fixed, stained and squashed; and mitotic anomalies observed under a light microscope. The micro-nuclei (MN) were observed at interphase and MN percentage calculated. The fluctuations in mitotic index (MI) and abnormality percentage were statistically co-related through ANOVA analyses with exposure periods and concentrations as random variables. Phytochemical analyses of fruit extract of C. diurnum were performed using standard methods. The MI was significantly reduced by all the treatments. Increase in concentration and exposure time significantly increased the anomaly percentage and frequency of MN induction as compared to the control. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, phytosterols, volatile oils, and saponins as secondary metabolites. C. diurnum fruit extract showed promising cyto-genotoxic effects on A. cepa root apical meristem cells. However, caution is essential for the safe administration of herbal preparations.