Evaluation of Anticlastogenic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against Cyclophosphamide induced Chromosomal aberration in Swiss albino Mice

Article history: Received on: 05/04/2015 Revised on: 11/05/2015 Accepted on: 24/05/2015 Available online: 27/06/2015 Background: Indian subcontinent is a vast repository of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medical treatments. Various indigenous systems such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani and Allopathy use several plant species to treat different ailments. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies, while emphasizing the body, mind and spirit in disease prevention and treatment. Since origin of human’s life, medicinal plants continue to play a curative and therapeutic role in preserving human health against disease. Herbal plants have been a rich source of medicines because they produce a host of bioactive molecules, most of which probably evolved as chemical defenses against predation or infection. Objective: The study was aimed towards evaluation of Immuno-enhancing potential of hydromethanolic root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra through the prevention of Mutagenecity caused by Clastogenic or Chemotherapeutic agents in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Methods: For the assessment of Anti-clastogenic efficacy of G. glabra hydromethanolic root extract, the Bone marrow Chromosomal aberration assay was used and the single i.p. of G. glabra extract given at the doses of 300, 450 and 600mg/kg body weight, 24 hours prior the administration of Cyclophosphamide at the dose of 50 mg/kg body wt. Results: The present investigation revealed that, the doses of 450 and 600mg/kg body wt. provided significant protection against Cyclophosphamide induced Chromosomal aberration in the bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. A dose dependent inhibition was observed which was statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to Cyclophosphamide group. It was observed that G. glabra root extract alone has not induced any Chromosomal aberration. Conclusion: Thus in Mutagenecity assay, G. glabra root extract possess protective potential against Cyclophosphamide induced Mutagenecity in mouse Bone marrow cells. It may be concluded that this herbal extract have Anti-clastogenic agents which showed Anti-mutagenic nature.