Protective Effect of Nyctanthes arbortristis Against Cadmium-induced Genotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice: A Micronucleus Assay Approach

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) and the protective efficacy of Nyctanthes arbortristis using the micronucleus assay in Swiss albino mice. Study Design: An experimental, controlled in vivo study using laboratory mice as the animal model. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the Department of Zoology, T.M.B.U. Mice were divided into four groups: control, CdCl₂-treated (CD), N. arbor-tristis alone (NA) and co-treatment group (CD + NA). Methodology: Bone marrow smears were prepared and stained for the micronucleus test and the PCE/NCE ratio was calculated as an indicator of cytotoxicity. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Results: Significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated PCEs and NCEs in the CdCl₂-treated group (total 11.75%) compared to control, confirming cadmium induced genotoxicity. Co-treatment with N. arbortristis significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency to 3.54%, indicating effective protection. The PCE/NCE ratio, reduced to 0.93 in the Cd group, increased to 1.10 in the CD + NA group. Conclusion: Cadmium chloride induced marked genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in the bone marrow of mice, whereas N. arbortristis exhibited significant antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities, restoring bone marrow function and indicating its potential as a natural protective agent against cadmium-induced damage.