Aqueous Extracts of Dried Fruits of Zanthoxylum armatum DC., (Rutaceae) Induce Cellular and Nuclear Damage Coupled with Inhibition of Mitotic Activity in Vivo

Abstract

Bioactive compounds derived from plant natural compounds have proven to be valuable sources of metabolites which can seldom be obtained from other sources. Plants belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum have been valued across various cultures for their curative properties. Zanthoxylum armatum DC., belonging to the family Rutaceae is extensively used in traditional practices in North-Eastern India and neighbouring regions including South-East Asia. However, the poten-tial cytogenetic effects of Zanthoxylum armatum under in vivo conditions, and their causative mechanisms have not yet been studied in detail. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of fruits of Z. armatum under in vivo conditions using the Allium test. Physiological and cellular data indicate that the extracts induce clumped chromosomes at metaphase stage of cell division coupled with mitotic arrest. Electron microscopy data reveal membrane damage of cellular organelles, chromatin condensation and chromatin marginalisa-tion in cell of roots incubated in the extracts. The extracts also induce concentration dependent protein precipitation and genomic DNA degradation.