Vegetos- An International Journal of Plant Research

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a commonly used ayurvedic medicine but its cytotoxicity has not been explored so far. Present study is an attempt to explore mutagenic efficacies of this drug on Allium sativum chromosomes by applying 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% concentrations for 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes. Chromosomal aberrations were recorded and mitotic index was calculated to draw an inference that 1% concentration enhances mitotic activity up to 360 minutes while higher doeses of 3–5% are deleterious and fatal.