Determination of the protective role of rheum ribes L. extract against the toxic effects of H2O2 on alli̇um cepa L. root ti̇p meristem cells

In the developing world, people are exposed to many toxic substances such as drugs, chemicals and environmental factors. The amount and duration of exposure cause various damages in living beings at genetic and cellular levels. These damages affect all living beings by causing health problems and even fatal results. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Rheum ribes extract against the toxic effects of H₂O₂ using the Allium test system. Germination process was performed for 24 hours in control and treatment groups, no chemical substance was applied to the control group, while increasing doses of H2O2 and H2O2+ R. ribes extract were given to the treatment groups. After the application, it was determined that root lengths decreased in the root growth test with increasing doses. According to the results of the vitality test using Evans Blue dye, the dye density in the roots increased with increasing doses. DNA damage was evaluated with comet test and it was observed that tail length and tail DNA percentage increased depending on the exposure times. In addition, it was found that H2O2+R.ribes extract caused chromosome aberrations and a increase in mitotic index depending on the dose and duration in the applied groups. This study confirmed that R. ribes extract has a protective effect against H2O2 toxicity and can form the basis for future research.