Clastogenic effects produced by black pepper in mitotic cells of Vicia faba

Black pepper, as is well known, is an important spice widely used in the cooking and processing of meat and fish. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clastogenic potential of black pepper. This was accomplished by treating root meristems of Vicia faba with aqueous extracts of black pepper. Examination of the treated roots showed the presence of chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks, gaps and exchanges. Statistically significant differences from controls were observed. Experiments to evaluate its clastogenic potential in mouse systems are in progress and the results will be published elsewhere.