Merlyn S. Mendioro, Jonathan S. Cu, Krishlex Anthony G. Gruezo, Marites C. Palma,
Luis N. Villamael, and Rosalina T. Tandang
Genetics and Molecular Biology Division
Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines Los Baños
http://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2000.5396
Abstract
The cytogenetic effects of aqueous extracts from the bark of “duhat” (Syzygium cumini L.), leaves of “damong maria” (Artemisia vulgaris L.), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus L.), and tablets of “ampalaya” (Momordica charantia L.) were determined using human leukocytes cultured in vitro. Three to four drops of blood from live volunteers aged 20–21 were cultured in chromosome medium with 0.3% and 5% sterile extracts. The mitotic index was obtained by counting 500 cells per treatment, while chromosomal aberrations were observed in at least 50 cells. Mean mitotic indices using the three medicinal plant extracts were significantly reduced as the concentrations of treatments were increased. For Artemisia, the control showed a mean mitotic index of 16.86%, and 22.95% and 25.96% for periwinkle leaves and “duhat” bark, respectively. “Ampalaya” tablets did not significantly affect the mitotic index. Loose sister chromatids, gaps, and breaks were the chromosomal abnormalities observed. The frequency of cells with no chromosomal aberration was reduced from 66.67% to 36.00% for Artemisia leaves, 97.00% to 79.00% for periwinkle, and 94.00% to 81.00% for “duhat” bark. Artemisia, periwinkle, and “ampalaya” significantly induced chromosome condensation, with the mean frequency reaching 45.00%. Results indicated that all four medicinal plants are possible mutagens. “Duhat” bark is a mitotic inhibitor and, as such, can be tapped as a possible tumor growth suppressor.