Ferula asafoetida Increases Cell Division and Cell Death in Vicia faba with Suppressing the Mitotic Index

Background: Homoeopathy is a system of medicine in which the indigenous and crude plant/ animal products are used in medicine. Extract of Ferula asafoetida (Heeng) is commonly used as Homoeopathic drug to cure various stomach related problems. There has been significant controversy associated with the side effects of Homoeopathic drugs.

Methodology: The mother tincture of Ferula asafoetida has been collected from RSBP Bulandshahar and Lord Pharmacy New Delhi, India. The effect of heeng as a Homoeopathic drug on somatic cell division has been studied by the root tip method. The effects of different concentrations of heeng on the chromosomes of Vicia faba was investigated. 5%, 10%, 20% & 30% of Ferula asafoetida were used for 4hrs, 8hrs, 12hrs and 24 hours followed by acetocarmine squash procedure. All the concentrations showed mito-inhibitory effect in the root tips of Vicia faba and also observed so many chromosomal aberrations (clastogenic).

Results: The treated root tips showed various disturbances at the prophase, metaphase and anaphase stages of mitotic cell division. Due to the stickiness of chromosomes, the separation of chromosomes was affected by the formation of chromatin bridges. The most observed aberrations were sticky chromosomes, chromatin bridges, chromatin fragments and laggards at every stage of mitotic division.

Conclusion: The result of the present study clearly established the cytogenotoxic behaviour of heeng as a Homoeopathic drug. The dose and duration should be tested for its various mutagenic and genotoxic properties in different eukaryotic systems viz. animals and humans.