Abstract
Allium cepa root tip cells were used to find out the effect of Cynara cornigera extract on chromosomal structure and behavior during cell division. To measure the mitotic index and chromosome aberration in treated cells. The root meristem cells were treated with different concentrations of Cynara cornigera leaves aqueous extract (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml) for 4, 6 and 12 hours, respectively. The results indicate that aqueous extracts of C. cornigera plant have the ability to decrease the (MI) values with increasing the concentration at (P<0.005). The treatments have caused different kinds of mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations, such as: Change percentage of mitotic phases, C-metaphase, Stickiness, Disturbed nuclear membrane, Highly condensation of prophase and Accumulation of cell in interphase.
KEY WORDS: Bioassay: Cynara cornigera: Leaf extract: Artichoke; Chromosomal aberrations.