Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant commonly found in most West Africa communities with a widespread medicinal use such as inflammation, convulsions, leprosy, asthma, hypertension, schistosomiasis, and malaria. It is also known for its antimicrobial, neuromuscular, and anti-ulcerative properties. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, as well as the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, of a methanol extract from the fruit of T. tetraptera on the root cells of Allium cepa (onion). Onion bulbs were treated with extract concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10 mg/mL, while tap water served as the negative control and methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) as the positive control. The results revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.05), concentration-dependent inhibition of root growth compared to the negative control. Cytological analysis showed that all tested concentrations of the extract exerted cytotoxic effects, as evidenced by a reduction in the mitotic index and the presence of chromosomal abnormalities, including micronuclei (MNC), chromatin bridges, binucleated cells, membrane damage, ghost cells, and cell death. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed major constituents such as 4H-pyran-4-one, 3,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl (26.85%), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (18.13%), 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (16.52%), and 1,3-propanediol, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro- (5.20%). These findings suggest that the bioactive constituents of T. tetraptera fruit extract possess significant cytotoxic and genotoxic potential in A. cepa root meristem cells.