Investigation on antimutagenic effects of neem extract against lead induced genotoxicity in Allium cepa L.

The identification of antimutagenic agents present in plants represented an effective strategy to inhibit the effects of carcinogens residing in the environment. There are few works prevailing on the antimutagenic activities of the neem extract investigated in this study. Pre-exposure of ethanolic extract of neem leaves resulted increase in mitotic index and reduction in chromosomal abnormalities. The results suggested that exposure to high lead concentration was found cytotoxic as well as genotoxic for Allium cepa. However, antimutagenic potential and protective action of neem extract against the heavy metal action can overcome the genotoxic effect of lead.