Determination of the genotoxic effects of Trigonella foenum graecum L. extracts in stored Pisum sativum seeds

This study was carried out to study the effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L extracts on mitotic, meiotic and cell cycle parameters in stored Pisum sativum seeds. The Trigonella foenum extracts induced a marked decrease in the mitotic index accompanied with considerable percentage of chromosomal aberrations. These abnormalities include stickiness, disturbed chromosomes, bridges and lagging chromosome. Cytophotometric measurements showed inhibition of cells in the Go/G1 phase at the expense of other phases of cell cycle (S-phase, G2-phase). The percentage of cells having 2C DNA content decreased gradually with increasing the concentrations, while those having 4C DNA increased. Trigonella foenum extracts not affected on PMCs. Of P. sativum plant after the seeds treated with 0.5-1% and storage for three months but, significant percentage of chromosome abnormalities observed in the PMCs of the plants treated with 2% Trigonella foenum extracts and storage for three months. Also, after storage for six months all treatments have significant effect on abnormalities of PMCs. In all the treatment, various abnormal cells were observed in mitotic and meiotic division. Aberrant cells observed according to concentration and time of storage of Trigonella foenum extracts.