Aqueous Extracts of Dried Fruits of <i>Zanthoxylum armatum</i> DC., (Rutaceae) Induce Cellular and Nuclear Damage Coupled with Inhibition of Mitotic Activity <i>in Vivo</i>

Abstract

Bioactive compounds derived from plant natural compounds have proven to be valuable sources of metabolites which can seldom be obtained from other sources. Plants belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum have been valued across various cultures for their curative properties. Zanthoxylum armatum DC., belonging to the family Rutaceae is extensively used in traditional practices in North-Eastern India and neighbouring regions including South-East Asia. However, the potential cytogenetic effects of Zanthoxylum armatum under in vivo conditions, and their causative mechanisms have not yet been studied in detail. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of fruits of Z. armatum under in vivo conditions using the Allium test. Physiological and cellular data indicate that the extracts induce clumped chromosomes at metaphase stage of cell division coupled with mitotic arrest. Electron microscopy data reveal membrane damage of cellular organelles, chromatin condensation and chromatin marginalisation in cell of roots incubated in the extracts. The extracts also induce concentration dependent protein precipitation and genomic DNA degradation.

Anticancer properties and enhancement of therapeutic potential of cisplatin by leaf extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC.

“…The different extracts from the plant have different pharmacological activities such as antioxidative [ 7 ], anti-inflammatory [ 8 , 9 ], antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal [ 10 , 11 ], piscicidal [ 12 ], hepatoprotective [ 13 ], antitumor [ 14 ], and immunomodulation activity [ 15 ]. Aqueous extract of Z. armatum induced cellular and nuclear damaged coupled with inhibition of mitotic activity in plant [ 16 ].…”

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Zanthoxylum armatum

“…chloroplast; Illumina sequencing; phylogenetic analysis Zanthoxylum armatum DC. belongs to the genus Zanthoxylum in Rutaceae (Amyridoideae) and is a wild deciduous arbor (3-5 m high), is distributed mainly in South East Asia (Kharshiing 2012). Zanthoxylum armatum is a traditional medicine in Chinese, Pakistan, and other South Asian country.…”

A review on effective utilization, phytochemical compounds, pharmacological intervention of a popularly used plant for developing a new drug: Zanthoxylum armatum with reference to its anticancer activity

“…The aqueous extracts of dried fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum which are used extensively in traditional herbal remedies exert their toxic potential in vivo by inducing membrane damage of cellular organelles, chromatin condensation, chromatin marginalization, chromosome clumping and nuclear DNA damage resulting in subsequent mitotic arrest. 54…”