Susan Abraham

Clastogenic effects produced by black pepper in mitotic cells of Vicia faba

Black pepper, as is well known, is an important spice widely used in the cooking and processing of meat and fish. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clastogenic potential of black pepper. This was accomplished by treating root meristems of Vicia faba with aqueous extracts of black pepper. Examination of the treated roots showed the presence of chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks, gaps and exchanges. Statistically significant differences from controls were observed. Experiments to evaluate its clastogenic potential in mouse systems are in progress and the results will be published elsewhere.

Cytological changes produced by red pepper in mitotic cells of Vicia faba L.

SUMMARYRed pepper is an important spice widely used for seasoning food. During the present study, the cytological changes produced by the aqueous extract of red pepper were investigated in detail in the root meristems of Vicia faba. The treated roots revealed a wide spectrum of abnormalities including chromosome breakage, achromatic lesions, c-mitoses, multipolar divisions, laggards, micronuclei etc. Statistically significant differences from controls were observed. Experiments to evaluate the clastogenic potential of red pepper in mammalian system are in progress.

Impact of gaseous pollutants from the Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. on meiosis in Datura metel L.

SUMMARYThe present study was aimed to assess the impact of air pollutants from the Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. on meiosis in Datura metel L. growing at different sites around the factory. Cytological studies in the pollen mother cells revealed the presence of chromosome breakages, chromosomal interchanges and spindle abnormalities.

Inhibition of Cytokinesis and Induction of Mixoploidy by Magnesium Sulphate

SUMMARYIt is reported for the first time that magnesium sulphate used as fertilizer and in the preparation of different nutrient media utilized for in vitro cultures, inhibits normal spindle formation and cytokinesis. As a result, binucleate cells, polyploid cells and multinucleate cells were formed. When roots of Vicia faba developed from seeds treated with different concentrations of magnesium sulphate were compared with those of the controls, a significant increase in cells showing abnormal divisions was evident. It is suggested that magnesium sulphate used in the preparation of nutrient media, when present in higher concentrations, may cause somatic instability in callus cultures.

Cytological abnormalities induced by red pepper in mouse bone marrow cells in vivo

SUMMARYRed pepper is widely used as a spice in the preparation of food throughout the world. The present investigation was undertaken to study the cytological abnormalities induced by red pepper in mouse bone marrow cells in vivo. Oral administration of 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract to Swiss albino mice for 30 consecutive days produced chromosome breakage, polyploidy, aneuploidy etc. in the bone marrow cells.