ANTI-CLASTOGENIC ACTIVITY OF ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa) EXTRACT USING A VARIETY OF SHORT-TERM GENOTOXIC BIOASSAYS

Nowadays, it has been appeared that there are several advantages for the medical use of hibiscus, which showed the ability to reduce cholesterol level and lipids in animals at laboratory tests in addition to antibiotic oxidation. Thus, the aim of this research is to study its role as anticlastogenic agent upon the chromosomes damage. The calyx and sub-calyx of the Roselle plant has long been recognized as a source of antioxidants. The objective of this study was to investigate the capability of Hibiscus sabdariffa juice to act as anticlastogenic agent by preventing or decreasing chromosomal breaks. In order to achieve such a purpose the genetic material of Mouse (Mus musculus, 2n = 40) and roottip cells of Onion (Allium cepa, 2n = 16) were selected and used employing a variety of shortterm genotoxic bioassays that recommended by EPAUS.The obtained result revealed that Roselle cold extract or syrup treatment had anticlastogenic effect. While hot extract has not. How does this suggested repair system play its role? by activation of cell proliferation, apoptosis; or by interfering with cellular repair system or by all these assumptions. Further research is needed in order to precisely answer this question.