Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Ekiti State, Nigeria, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations. In response to persistent malaria transmission, increasing drug resistance, and limited access to healthcare, the use of antimalarial botanicals has risen due to their affordability and cultural acceptance. This growing reliance on herbal remedies necessitates scientific evaluation of their potential cytotoxic effects to ensure safety and efficacy in malaria treatment. This study investigates the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of selected antimalaria botanicals, namely, Mangifera indica and Blighia sapida leaf extracts on Allium cepa roots, focusing on root length, root number, mitotic index, and phase index. A concentration-dependent decrease in root length and number was observed, indicating significant growth inhibition and cytotoxicity at higher extract concentrations. The mitotic index and phase index also decreased with increasing concentrations of the extracts (72%-19% Mangifera indica, 72%-20% Blighia sapida), suggesting that the extracts hinder cell division by interfering with the mitotic spindle and causing cell cycle arrest. Chromosomal aberrations, including anaphase bridges and sticky chromosomes, were noted, reflecting the genotoxic potential of the phytochemicals present in the extracts. The study identified key bioactive compounds such as quercetin, mangiferin, and scopoletin, which are known to disrupt microtubule dynamics, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive toxicity testing in evaluating the safety and efficacy of plant extracts for medicinal or agricultural applications. The significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects observed in this study highlight the potential risks associated with the use of Mangifera indica and Blighia sapida extracts, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in their application.