In vitro evaluation of the anti-mutagenic effect of Origanum majorana extract on the meristemetic root cells of Vicia faba

The present investigation, the antimutagenic potential of Origanum majorana was evaluated in Vicia faba root meristematic cells. The root tip cells of Vicia faba 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. This study revealed that Origanum majorana has antimutagenic potential against sodium azide induced chromosomal aberrations in Vicia faba root meristematic cells. In addition, it showed mild cytotoxicity by reducing the percentage of mitotic index in all O. majorana treated groups, The antimutagenic potential of Origanum majorana is effective at 50 μg/ml in Vicia faba root meristematic cells.