Phytochemical Screening and Allelopathic Activities of Buyo-Buyo (Piper aduncum) Extract on the Mitotic Cell Division of Onion

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Piper aduncum, or buyo-buyo (local), is 6-7 meters tall green shrub. Recently it was found showing allelopathic activities that generate problems on certain areas it was found including Sto. Nino, South Cotabato. The purpose of this study was to identify the phytochemicals present in buyo-buyo, determine its specific allelopathic chemicals, and observed its effect to onions' skins and root tips.

METHODS

The buyo-buyo extract was tested for phytochemical contents. Its effects to onions' skins and root tips were observed.

RESULTS

The buyo-buyo extract was proved to have alkaloids, anthraquinones. Flavonoids, saponins, and tannins phytochemicals. The cells of onions, which are exposed to buyo-buyo extract, are smaller and elongated. Some of the nuclei were also observed to move on the other side of the cell instead of remaining in the center. Cells tend to be disorganized as the nuclei were partially developed. The onions that served as the control are larger. They also look healthier compared to the exposed onions. The nuclei are compact and remained at the center of the cell. Some are also observed undergoing mitotic division. For the roots, it was found out that control roots stay healthy and intact while the treated root tips tend to stop cell dividing at the root tips, some undergo cell lysis and when exposed to a higher concentration of buyo-buyo extract, shrunk in size.

DISCUSSIONS

The buyo-buyo has been proved to have negative effects on the onions' skins and root tips. Its phytochemical compositions have been identified, thus making ways to control them in the future and suppress their negative impacts with the aid of additional studies, is already at hand.