Pre-apoptotic activity of aqueous extracts of Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede on cells of Allium cepa and human erythrocytes.
Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede is a member of Apocynaceae, seen in dry and rocky areas. The present study highlights the cytotoxic potential of C. sarcomedium mediated by apoptosis on cells of Allium cepa and human red blood cells (RBCs). Cytogenetic changes in A. cepa and in situ visualization of cell death were revealed through acetocarmine and Evans blue staining techniques. Quantitative estimation of cell death was carried out at 600 nm in a spectrophotometer. Membrane characteristics of RBC in response to the treatment were evaluated by May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell membrane damage is a major factor for assessing apoptosis which is observed in the present study (90.91 %). Cell shrinkage, cytoplasmic fragmentation, condensed chromatin and presence of apoptotic bodies were the common cytological changes in A. cepa associated with apoptosis. Blebs in RBC evidenced by SEM revealed the membrane damage potential of the plant. Results obtained hereby suggest that the plant is an effective source to be used in toxicological studies and anti-cancer therapy.
Cell & Molecular Biology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673 635, India. neethusamhitha@gmail.com.
Neethu Kannan
NK
Bhagyanathan
Cell & Molecular Biology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673 635, India.
John Ernest
JE
Thoppil
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D032461:Chromosomes, Plant / Q000378:metabolism; D031105:Cynanchum / Q000737:chemistry*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D019697:Onions / Q000166:cytology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D010936:Plant Extracts
Allium cepa; Apoptosis; Cynanchum; Cytotoxicity; RBC