Micronucleus Test in Vicia Faba Root Tips to Detect Mutagenic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Some Vegetables

In the present study aqueous extract of eight vegetable obtained from local market were tested for their mutagenic potential by using Vicia faba root tip micronucleus assay. Mutagenic potential of the extracts was evaluated by scoring micronucleus in the root tip cells of treated roots. Roots were treated with 100, 250 and 500 g/L of the extract of each vegetable at room temperature in dark for 6, 12, 18 and 24h. Extract of all the samples induced significant (P < 0.05 and/or 0.01) level of mutagenic effect at one or more doses. The results indicate presence of mutagenic/genotoxic compounds which may be either residues of pesticides used for crop protection or chemicals present naturally in the in the vegetable samples.