Cytological changes produced by red pepper in mitotic cells of Vicia faba L.

SUMMARYRed pepper is an important spice widely used for seasoning food. During the present study, the cytological changes produced by the aqueous extract of red pepper were investigated in detail in the root meristems of Vicia faba. The treated roots revealed a wide spectrum of abnormalities including chromosome breakage, achromatic lesions, c-mitoses, multipolar divisions, laggards, micronuclei etc. Statistically significant differences from controls were observed. Experiments to evaluate the clastogenic potential of red pepper in mammalian system are in progress.