Crude extracts from Allium cepa skin and Sorghum bicolor seed can provide as non-toxic and eco-friendly cytoplasmic stains.

INTRODUCTION: Staining is an important histological process; however, the use of non-toxic and environmentally friendly products is generally required. We explored the staining quality of two natural plants, Allium cepa skin and Sorghum bicolor seed extract on the cytoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distilled water at 37 °C and 1% acid-ethanol were respectively used to extract the dyes from Allium cepa skin and Sorghum bicolor seed. RESULT: The application of these two dyes on rodent tissue showed an excellent cytoplasmic histomorphology. CONCLUSION: Allium cepa skin and Sorghum bicolor seed extracts are good cytoplasmic dyes when used as counterstain for haematoxylin.