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Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 15 (2) 207-212
December, 2008 |
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Assessment of Antimutagenic and Genotoxic Potential of Origanum majorana Aqueous Extract using in vitro Assays Sameer H. Qari Abstract __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Origanum majorana has
certain therapeutic properties and the benefits of using it in the form
of a herbal tea (infusion) were recorded for treatment many disorder in
Saudi Arabia. In the present investigation, the antimutagenic and
genotoxic potential of Origanum majorana was evaluated in Vicia faba
root meristem cells. So far there is no report on the biological
properties of Origanum majorana in plant test systems. The root tip
cells were treated with sodium azide at 250 and 350 μg/ml for 6 h and
Origanum majorana was given at 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml for 20 h, prior to
sodium azide treatment. The tips were squashed after colchicine
treatment and the cells were analyzed for chromosome aberration and
mitotic index. Origanum majorana induces chromosomal aberration in Vicia
faba root tip cells in an insignificant manner, when compared with
untreated control. Sodium azide alone induces chromosomal aberrations
significantly with increasing concentrations. The total number of
aberrations was significantly reduced in root tip cells pretreated with
Origanum majorana. The study reveals that Origanum majorana has
antimutagenic potential against sodium azide induced chromosomal
aberrations in Vicia faba root meristem cells. In addition, it showed
mild cytotoxicity by reducing the percentage of mitotic index in all O.
majorana treated groups, but the mechanism of action remains unknown.
The antimutagenic potential of Origanum majorana is effective at 50 μg/ml
in Vicia faba root meristem cells. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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