Antiproliferative effect of extracts of Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) on the Allium cepa cell cycle

Abstract

Field collected roots of four populations of Sida rhombifolia were used for preparing aqueous decoctions at two concentrations: 4g/L; and 16g/L. Afterwards, we used three groups of six onion (Allium cepa) bulbs for testing each population. Slides were made with all bulbs through the smashing technique. Cells in all phases of the cell cycle of A. cepa were analyzed. The mitotic index (% of cells in mitosis) was calculated, and the statistical analysis through the χ2 test was carried out at 5% probability. The results showed that the aqueous extracts of S. rhombifolia have antiproliferative activity at high concentrations. Practically no chromosomal aberrations were induced by treatments.