Abstract

SEHGAL, R.; ROY, S.  and  KUMAR, V.L.. Evaluation of cytotoxic potential of latex of Calotropis procera and Podophyllotoxin in Allum cepa root model. Biocell [online]. 2006, vol.30, n.1, pp.9-13. ISSN 0327-9545.

In the present study we have utilized the Allium cepa root tip meristem model to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-mitotic activities of latex of Calotropis procera (DL) and podophyllotoxin. Standard cytotoxic drug cyclophosphamide and non-cytotoxic drugs cyproheptadine and aspirin served as controls. Like cyclophosphamide, both DL and podophyllotoxin significantly inhibited the growth of roots and mitotic activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, podophyllotoxin was more potent in this regard and produced root decay. Cyproheptadine and aspirin, on the other hand, showed a marginal effect on the root growth and mitotic activity at much higher concentrations.

Keywords : Calotropis procera; Podophyllotoxin; Cyclophosphamide; Cytotoxic; Allium cepa.

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