Antimitotic effect of Verbascum sinuatum L. extracts on meristematic cells

Abstract

Verbascum sinuatum L. is a medicinal plant of the Scorphuliaceae family, widespread in Algeria. It is rich in bioactive molecules, which gives it various biological effects. This study targeted the fraction of alkaloids. We studied the effect of this fraction on the mitosis of meristematic cells. Different indices of genetic alterations were calculated. These results were compared to the negative and positive control. An ANOVA type statistical study (p< 0.05) was performed. The amount of alkaloid found in the studied fraction is 50.17µg/g of plant powder. This targeted fraction presents a significant antimitotic effect the cells of onion. This mitodepressive effect generated several abnormalities in chromosomes, nuclei and cells represented mainly by agglutinations and chromosomal fragmentations.