Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride

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Yalçın E., Macar O., Kalefetoğlu Macar T., ÇAVUŞOĞLU D., Çavuşoğlu K.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol.28, no.44, pp.62868-62876, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 44
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11356-021-15097-6
  • Journal Name: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.62868-62876
  • Keywords: Allium cepa L, Antioxidant, Echinacea purpurea L, Genotoxicity, Heavy metal, HgCl2
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent and dangerous heavy metal with genotoxic properties. Echinacea purpurea L. is a well-known therapeutic plant with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. In this study, multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. extract against toxicity caused by mercury(II) chloride (HgCI2) on Allium cepa L. investigated in a multifaceted way. As a consequence of 100 mgL−1 HgCI2 administration, root elongation, weight increase, germination rate, and mitotic index were reduced, whereas micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormalities frequency, meristematic cell injuries severity, malondialdehyde level, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity were increased. On the other hand, co-administration of increasing doses of E. purpurea extract (265 mgL−1 and 530 mgL−1) and HgCI2 gradually alleviated all observed toxic effects of HgCI2. Protective role of E. purpurea extract against HgCI2-toxicity on A. cepa were clearly demonstrated in this study. The results of this study will lead to future researches investigating use of E. purpurea extract against genotoxic contaminants.