Cytological Effects of Papaverine Hydrochloride on Root Tips of Allium cepa L.

Abstract

1. The cytological effect of papaverine hydrochloride, which is an alkaloid found in the opium was studied on mitosis of Allium cepa root tips.
2. Papaverine hydrochloride induced a wide range of abnormalities. The most effect was exerted on both metaphase and anaphase C-metaphase, C-anaphase, non-congression, diagonal anaphase, chromosome and chromatide bridges, lagging of chromosomes, micronuclei and multinucleated cells were observed.
3. Papaverine hydrochloride is the only one amongst the alkaloids of opium which caused a high increase in MI after long period of treatment with some low concentrations.