Toxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Poligonum weyrichii Fr. Schmidt on the Allium test taken as an example.

Abstract

The plant Poligonum weyrichii Fr. Schmidt is a promising plant in Murmansk region because it is a valuable source of flavonoid compounds. The aim of the study is to investigate, using a sensitive and the well-established Allium test, toxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of inflorescences and leaves of the middle tier, which differ in concentration (20, 50, 80 and 100%). According to the observations, the 50%, 80% and 100% concentration aqueous extracts of inflorescences and leaves of P. weyrichii have a mitodepressive effect on the cells of the root meristem of Allium cepa L., and inhibit the root growth, causing chromosomal abnormalities. The further investigations are necessary on selection of such aqueous extracts concentrations of P. weyrichii because this plant is the source of biologically active compounds.