Cytogentical effect of Mentha piperita extract on the somatic chromosomes in Vicia faba.

Abstract

Mentha pipertia is a medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine since time immortal. Mentha piperita depicts antimicrobial, antiseptic action and used for treating nausea, flatulence, sickness, vomiting, stomachache etc. Extract of this plant was tested against Vicia faba to study scientific rationale behind use and its effect on somatic chromosomes. Extract have been prepared in the laboratory. Then presoaked seeds of Vicia faba in water were treated in different concentrations (5-50%) of extract for 24 hrs of duration. The germinating seeds both treated and controlled having root tips of about 0.5 to 1 cm in length were fixed in acetic alcohol (1:3) fixative for 8-12 hrs and then preserved in 70% alcohol. Detailed studies were conducted on the clastogenetic effects and chromosomal behaviour during cell-division. The observation revealed that the extract had a strong mitostatic effect on Vicia faba. It induced chromosomal abnormalities during mitotic cycle such as sticky chromosomes, fragmentation of chromosomes, chromatin bridges, lagging chromosomes unequal segregation at anaphase and polyploidy. There was gradual increase in the total percentage of abnormalities with increase in concentration from 5 to 50% and duration from 4 hrs to 12 hrs. The results of the present findings indicate that Mentha piperita is more drastic than other common plants and injudicious use of drug lead to several genetic deformities in bio-organism which are said to be safe and potentially with no side effects.