Abstract
This paper presents results of investigations on cellular changes produced by extracts of betel leaves (Piper betle Linn.) on root tip cells of onion. Betel leaves together with lime, a few pieces of arecanut and dried tobacco leaves are chewed as ‘paan’ by many people in countries like India and Ceylon.
The specific effect of the extract on mitoses was the production of agglomeration of chromosomes and bridged metaphases. Chromosome fragments were rarely observed. Differences in condensation of the chromosomes, bizarre forms of nuclei, cells with large nuclei with no corresponding increase in cytoplasm etc. were also observed in the treated cells. The present study has provided for the first time informations regarding cellular damage produced by extracts of betel leaves.
