10 OAJMAP (2013) Spermatotoxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum in albino mice Akeem Akinboro a* and Adekunle A. Bakare b a Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. b Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. * Corresponding author Email: akinboroa@yahoo.com b present address : Environmental Unit, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Abstract: Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) is an alternative medicine as well as food condiment in African and Asian countries. Information on its safe consumption is important considering its wide utilization. The potential effects of aqueous extract of this plant on cell division, chromosome structure and sperm morphology in mice were investigated. The Inductions of chromosomal aberrations and abnormal sperm cells were not dose dependent. However, these were and sperm morphology tests, respectively. Aberrant sperm cell in form of tail folded over head was observed most. These observations suggest possible mutagenic activity of the aqueous extract of O. gratissimum in albino mice. Key words: Ocimum gratissimum, chromosome, mitotic index, sperm cells, aqueous extract Manuscript received: 16 March, 2010 Manuscript accepted : 18 September, 2013 Open Access Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Vol. 4(1): 10-14 Introduction Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (Lamiaceae) plants have many medicinal values. It is an erect small shrub, about 1m in height, growing abundantly in deciduous forests and the savannah in Nigeria. It is commonly found around village huts and gardens where it may be cultivated for its 1999). It is used to treat diseases such as upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, headache, fever, ophthalmic and skin disorders, pneumonia, diabetes, and central nervous disorders (Ueda-Nakamura et al., 2006 ; Cristiana et al., 2006; Adebayo, 2009). Several studies have been carried out on the importance and potential toxic effects of extracts of O. gratissimum. Effraim et al. (2001) reported the histopathological effects of the leaves extract on some organs of rabbit, while the antileishmanial activity of eugenol-rich essential oil from the plant was observed in Leishmania amazonensis (Ueda-Nakamura et al. 2006). Antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic activities of O. gratissimum were reported (Nakamura et al., 1999 ; Holetz et al., 2003 ; Silva et al. 2005). Oyedare et al. (2009) investigated potential genotoxic effect of water extract of O. gratissimum both alone and in combination with extracts of Morinda lucida and Citrus medica on the chromosome of Allium cepa. In vivo cytogenetic assays involving mammalian bone marrow and germ cells have been used extensively for genetic toxicological studies (Li et al., 2009). Chromosome mutations carried in the human cells are now implicated in the etiology of several diseases, particularly cancer. Any damage that occurs in the germ cell line is genetically important because of its potential to affect subsequent generations. The limited information on the possible DNA damaging potential of aqueous extract of O. gratissimum in human cells is the basis of this present investigation, considering its widespread utilization. Materials and methods Preparation of plant extract Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) plant was collected the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan where the herbarium specimen was deposited. The leaves of O. gratissimum were air-dried at room temperature and ground into powder with an electric blender. Stock solution of the aqueous extract was prepared by boiling 100 g powdered leaves in one litre distilled water. Five doses, i.e., 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 % were obtained by dilution of the stock solution. Phytochemical screening The aqueous extract was screened qualitatively to determine the kinds of phytochemical constituents present (William & Douglas, 2005 ; Edeoga et al., 2006 ; Akinmoladun et al., 2007). Bone marrow metaphase chromosomes analysis This investigation was conducted in line with the internationally accepted guidelines for the treatment of animals in behavioral research and teaching (Sherwin, 2006). Eight week old male and female mice were acclimatized for one week during which food and water were supplied ad libitum. Six mice (3 males and 3 females) per concentration including negative and positive controls (0.2 mg/mL cyclophophamide), were orally administered with the aqueous extract (0.1mL/10 g body weight). The mice were