Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PEG 1500 MS in Allium cepa and modulatory action by vitamin C

PEG 1500 Mono Stearate (PEG 1500 MS) is a polyethylene glycol ester surfactant. PEG 1500 MS is used as an emulsifier, as a co-emulsifier in oil/water (O/W) emulsions, as a viscosity builder in detergent and as a lubricant in silicone-based formulations. This study was carried out to determine the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of PEG 1500 MS in the root tip of Allium Cepa. The mitotic index was calculated and chromosomal aberrations were observed after treating the roots with three concentrations (0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8%) of PEG 1500 MS and this damage was modulated by vitamin C. In the cytotoxic assay, roots treated with 0.8% PEG 1500 showed lower mitotic indices compared to control roots. PEG 1500 MS treatment resulted in inhibition of certain cell cycle phases and various chromosomal aberrations like cmitosis, anaphase fragmentation and stick chromosomes, for all three PEG 1500 MS concentrations. To study the modulatory effect of vitamin C in the management of mitosis in Allium cepa, root tips treated with 0.8% PEG 1500 MS were exposed to vitamin C (1mg/L, 1.5mg/L and 2mg/L) to reinitiate mitotic growth. Vitamin C significantly decreased the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects caused by 0.8% PEG 1500 MS.