title: Cytogenetic toxicity of neem.
abstract: The cytogenetic toxicity of the leaf extract of neem was evaluated in murine germ cells. The extract was found to induce structural and numerical changes in the spermatocyte chromosomes as well as synaptic disturbances in them at their first metaphase. A significant increase in the frequency of sperms with abnormal head morphology and the decrease in mean sperm count were also observed. This spermatotoxic effect of the neem extract corroborates its germ cell mutagenicity. The possible role of azadirachtin, the most active principle present in the neem extract, in producing the observed genotoxic effect is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Patna Women's College, 800001 Patna, India. parimal_khan@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Awasthy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D031601:Azadirachta / Q000633:toxicity*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000633:toxicity; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D013076:Sperm Count; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D009153:Mutagens; D010936:Plant Extracts