Prevention of Acetaminophen-Induced Mitodepression with Myrobalan (Fruit of Terminalia chebula) in Allium cepa Model

Allium cepa bulbs were grown in pure tap water (group I), in seven concentrations of acetaminophen (7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.50, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm) in the presence (group II) and absence of myrobalan (fruit of Terminalia chebula) at a fix concentration of 0.10 mg/mL. Parameters of study were mean root length, mitotic index, abnormal mitosis and chromosomal aberrations and morphology of root. Acetaminophen at all concentrations except 1000 ppm where roots did not grow at all, significantly inhibited root growth and declined mitotic index, effect appeared concentration dependent (group II). In the presence of myrobalan (group III) acetaminophen-induced mitodepression could be checked significantly. No morphological i.e. shape and color changes, abnormal mitosis and any type of chromosomal aberrations could be detected in any group. Probable protective role of myrobalan is discussed.