Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent and dangerous heavy metal with genotoxic properties. Echinacea purpurea L. is a well-known therapeutic plant with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. In this study, multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. extract against toxicity caused by mercury(II) chloride (HgCI(2)) on Allium cepa L. investigated in a multifaceted way. As a consequence of 100 mgL(−1) HgCI(2) administration, root elongation, weight increase, germination rate, and mitotic index were reduced, whereas micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormalities frequency, meristematic cell injuries severity, malondialdehyde level, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity were increased. On the other hand, co-administration of increasing doses of E. purpurea extract (265 mgL(−1) and 530 mgL(−1)) and HgCI(2) gradually alleviated all observed toxic effects of HgCI(2). Protective role of E. purpurea extract against HgCI(2)-toxicity on A. cepa were clearly demonstrated in this study. The results of this study will lead to future researches investigating use of E. purpurea extract against genotoxic contaminants.