Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Cornsilk, (Stigma maydis) Extract of Zea mays L.
Chinyelu Clementina Osigwe *
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Jude E. Okokon
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Ugonma Florence Uwaeme
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Ezinne Mmekam
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Imoh Imeh Johnny
Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Allium cepa test was employed to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials of cornsilk of Zea mays L. (Poacae), which is traditionally used as a remedy to various ailments. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were carried out on Allium cepa root meristem cells exposed to cornsilk extract concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL). Tap water and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) were used as negative and positive controls respectively. Significant (p< 0.05) inhibition of root growth by the cornsilk extract was observed which was concentration-dependent when compared with the negative control group. Cytotoxic effects such as suppression of cell division, induction of various chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations were observed in the A. cepa root tips at all the tested extract’s concentrations. These observed aberrations were considerably significant (p<0.05) relative to the control group. The aberrations and damages observed following the extract treatment suggest cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials of the cornsilk extract of Z. mays on A. cepa.
Keywords: Zea mays, cornsilk, cytotoxic, genotoxic, Allium cepa, apoptosis