Radiomimetic Efficacies of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavar) on the Root Meristems of Allium cepa L.

Radiomimetic Efficacies of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavar) on the Root Meristems of Allium cepa L.

Shatavar (Asparagus racemosus) is a potent vitalizer and is used in ayurvedic medicines. Present study is an attempt to observe the mutagenic efficacies on mitosis of Allium cepa L. root cells and various chromosomal changes like anaphase bridges, clumping of chromatin material sticky metaphase, micronuclei etc. were observed. Mitotic index was calculated to conclude that Asparagus activates the cell mitosis if administered in low concentrations effectively within 360 minutes (44.2%) whereas 2% concentration motivates mitosis with 60 minutes duration (41.1%). Doses beyond 3% indicate progressive deterioration in mitotic activity and higher doses are fatal for cell growth.