Abstract

Toxicological studies have undergone a significant evolution during the past decade, with inclusion and great emphasis on chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and mutagenicity. Present study was taken up to evaluate antimutagenicity of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia (MC) by bone marrow micronucleus assay (MNT) and chromosomal aberration test (CAT) in mice. Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, i.p) was used as a genotoxic challenge and bone marrow of control and MC treated mice was collected after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. In MNT, the bone marrow smears were stained with May-Grunwald’s followed by Giemsa stain. Polychromatic and Normochromatic erythrocytes were counted and P/N ratio was calculated. In CAT, colchicine, four mg/kg, i.p, was administered 90 min before sacrifice, bone marrow smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa stain and observed under 100X for different types of chromosomal aberrations. Mitotic index was calculated. The MC has significantly decreased the formation of micronuclei, increased the P/N ratio, inhibited the formation of chromosomal aberrations and increased the mitotic index. Hence, M. charantia has significant antimutagenic activity.

Key words: Antimutagenic activity, chromosomal aberration test, micronucleus assay, Momordica charantia.