Evaluation of synthesised heterocyclic compounds for their antimitotic activity by onion root tip assay

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Considering the benefits of small molecules for treating malignancies, novel derivatives of benzothiazole were synthesised (1-8). These compounds were subjected to Allium cepa assay for evaluating cytotoxic, antimitotic and genotoxic potential. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by observing root growth inhibition. Antimitotic effect was evaluated by calculating mitotic index (MI). Genotoxicity was studied by observing chromosomal aberrations (CA). The studies were carried out in three different concentrations of tests and controls. As compared to negative control, lesser root growth was observed at all concentration of the test compounds. Among all tested compounds, Compound 1 showed maximum root growth inhibition for all the three concentrations. Dose-dependent inhibitory effect was exhibited on root meristems. During the determination of antimitotic activity, Compound 1 showed least MI value and Compound 3 showed highest MI value. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 exhibited insignificant chromosomal aberrations (CA). Among these, Compound 2 had shown the least per cent chromosomal aberration at all the three concentrations. The statistical analysis was carried out using MAX-STAT-LITE Software, 3.60. The one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence level was used for statistical analysis. Values of p<0.05 were considered to be significant.