Mutagenic potential of green chillies

In a cytogenetic study on dividing root tip cells of onion, extract of green chillies was evaluated for cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in comparison with an untreated control group. The occurrence of achromatic lesions or ‘gaps’, chromosome breakage, chromosome clumping etc. were noticed in the treated cells. The frequency of abnormal metaphases was determined in the different treatments. The present study has shown that extract of green chillies (Capsicum annum) produces irrepairable damage in root tip cells of onion. It is advisable to limit the use of chillies in food as far as possible.