Cytotoxic effects of peel extracts from Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis

Cytotoxic effects of Citrus peel extracts were evaluated in the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Ethanolic (%80) extracts were tested for antimitotic and genotoxic effects. Each test concentration of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis extracts significantly reduced the mitotic index. Citrus limon extracts were more effective from Citrus sinensis extracts. Furthermore the extracts shows genotoxic effects such as breaks, bridges, stickiness, pole deviation and micronuclei on root meristem cells but not in very high levels. The effects was directly related to the concentrations of the fruit extracts. These observations shows that Citrus fruit extracts can be harmful for organisms.