Butylated hydroxytoluene and Butylated hydroxyanisole induced cyto-genotoxicity in root cells of Allium cepa L.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of preservatives on somatic cells of Allium cepa. For the evaluation of cytotoxicity, root meristems of A. cepa were treated with 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 ppm concentration for 5, 10, 15 days. The root tips showed concentration dependent growth retardation in all the used concentrations, as well as root texture, also has been changed mitotic index, total protein content decreased and frequency of chromosomal aberrations increased after 5 days treatment. Additionally, the RAPD-PCR method was applied to evaluate genotoxicity and found the highest concentration (2500 ppm) was comparatively more distant to the control group. Results concluded that BHT and BHA showed positive results and cytotoxic.

Automated summary

The study found that different concentrations of preservatives have significant effects on the somatic cells of Allium cepa, leading to growth retardation, changes in cell texture, and alterations in genetic material. The highest concentration of preservatives exhibited higher genotoxicity.