Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Stem Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59493/advpbl/2025.1.4Keywords:
Telfairia occidentalis; Allium cepa; Apoptosis; Cytotoxic; GenotoxicAbstract
The vegetable, Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae), is useful in the preparation of meals and treatment of various ailments and diseases in ethnomedicine. Evaluation of the stem extract for genotoxic and cytotoxic activities using Allium cepa test was carried out. Allium cepa roots were exposed to various concentrations of the stem extract (2.5, 5.0, and 10 mg/mL) and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were carried out to ascertain the effects of the stem extract on the root meristem cells. Water and methotrexate (0.1 mg/ml) were used as negative and positive controls respectively. Significant (p< 0.05) concentration-dependent inhibition of root growth was observed relative to the negative control group. Cytotoxic effects were observed on cell division in A. cepa in all tested concentrations of the stem extract. Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations were significantly (p<0.05) induced in A. cepa root tip cells relative to the control group. Cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells were observed also to be induced by the extract. These findings demonstrate that Telfairia occidentalis stem extract can exert cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa.
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