Evaluation of Genotoxic Potential of Vanilla Essence on Mitotic Chromosomes of Hordeum Vulgare

Vanilla essence is often used as flavoring in food might be attained by adding vanilla essence or by cooking vanilla pods in the liquid preparation. The conc. used of this essence is very low because of its poisonous effect in higher conc. An experimental data analyzed that the vanilla essence has toxic effect on mitosis chromosomes of Hordeum vulgare. Four conc.0.1ml, 0.2ml, 0.3ml and 0.4ml were used for the treatment of root tip of test plant. There were number of abnormalities observed like stickiness of chromosomes, unequal distribution of chromatids, scattered chromosomes, chromatin bridges, un-oriented and unequal distribution of chromosomes etc. These types of abnormalities were increased with increased conc. and duration of treatment of this essence.