In vivo studies on the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract in modifying the genotoxicity induced by chromium and mercury in Allium root meristems

 

K. Babu¹ and K.C. Uma Maheswari²

¹R & D Centre, Cholayil Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ambattur, Chennai ?600 098, India

²Department of Plant Biology, Shree Chandraprabhu Jain College, Minjur ?601 203, India

 

(Received: 20 November, 2004 ; Accepted: 31 May, 2005)

 

Abstract: In vivo cytogenetic assay in Allium cepa root tip cells has been carried out to detect the modifying effect of? Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract against chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) induced genotoxicity. It was observed that the roots post-treated with the leaf extract showed highly significant (p<0.001) recovery in mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) when compared to pre-treated (Cr/Hg) samples and the lower doses of the leaf extract were found to be more effective than higher doses. The present study reveals that the Ocimum sanctum leaf extract possesses the protective effect against Cr/Hg induced genetic damage.

 

Key words : Ocimum sanctum, Allium cepa, Genotoxicity, Chromium, Mercury.

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