[Antimutagenic properties of substances containing beta-carotene]

Two carotene-containing drugs (natural and artificial) were shown to decrease the rate of chromosomal aberrations, induced by cyclophosphane, in bone marrow cells of mice, daily ration of which contained 10-20 mg/kg of beta-carotene within 1-3 weeks. The rate of chromosomal aberrations induced was decreased 1.5-2-fold in various experiments. Artificial beta-carotene exhibited aftereffect within at least 3 days, while its protective effect was decreased about by 20% within 7 days after administration.