In Vivo Evaluation of Genotoxic Effects of Euphorbia Nivulia Buch on Mice Bone Marrow Cells Using Chromosomal Aberration Test and Micro Nucleus Assay

Euphorbia nivulia is a tall deciduous tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is mainly found in India and is reported to have tremendous therapeutic potential. Herbal medicine may cause damage to genetic material which may lead to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. Hence, it becomes important to assess the genotoxicity assessment of herbal medicines. The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo genotoxic effects of Euphorbia nivulia Buch extract on mice bone marrow cells using chromosomal aberration test and micro nucleus assay. Three different doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w were selected as per OECD guidelines. In micronucleus assay, single oral dose administration of Euphorbia nivulia extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w did not increase in the mean number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes or percentage of PCE in both sexes of mice indicating non clastogenicity. Similarly in chromosomal aberration test, a single oral administration of Euphorbia nivulia extract showed no significant changes on the mitotic indices or in the induction of chromosomal aberrations (both numerically and structurally) in proliferative cells of the bone marrow of mice in either sex. Hence it can be concluded, Euphorbia nivulia extract showed no significant genotoxic effect on the chromosomes of mice in either sexes. The extract was devoid of neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic and hence can be used safely.