A study on genotoxic effect of Calotropis on human chromosomes
Patel Nidhi, Desai Mansi, Khimsuriya Yashvant and Chauhan Jenabhai
Introduction:Calotropis is one of the most common medicinal plants in India, also called Arka. Even though it is very much toxic. There are several harmful effects were reported in the use of Arka.Materials and Methods: The present study analyzed the cytotoxic effect of Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea on human chromosomes by treating the blood cells with methnolic, chloroform and aqueous (water) extract of roots and leaves of both plants.Results: The results of present study suggest a genotoxic effect in the presence of bovine liver homogenate at 2.5 mg/ml in human peripheral blood culture under in vitro condition altered morphology of chromosome as compared to control. However, further assay needed to characterize morphology with respect to various types of structural chromosomal aberrations.Conclusion: It is advisable to use optimal, acceptable and lowest possible doses of Calotrophis extracts as medicine to minimize any risk, otherwise lead to mutation.
Patel Nidhi, Desai Mansi, Khimsuriya Yashvant, Chauhan Jenabhai. A study on genotoxic effect of Calotropis on human chromosomes. J Med Plants Stud 2018;6(2):193-197.