Cytotoxic effects of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) root extract on the root meristem of Vicia faba L.

The cytotoxic effects of radish root extract on meristematic cells of Vicia faba L. roots were investigated. Actively growing root tips of Vicia faba L. were treated with 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 10% concentrations of radish root extract for 2, 4 and 6 hours. The results obtained showed that the radish root extract is mitodepressive in nature and induces various types of chromosomal and nuclear aberrations such as binucleate cells, stickiness at metaphase, disturbed metaphase, scattered metaphases, chromatid separation, polarity abolition and bridge at anaphases. It is concluded that radish root extract not only inhibits mitotic activity but also shows considerable impact on chromosomal behaviour of cells.