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Turmeric (Curcuma longa)-induced reduction in urinary mutagens
K Polasa1, B Sesikaran, T P Krishna
1National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania, Hyderabad, A.P., India.
Summary
Turmeric supplementation inhibited mutagenicity caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rats. This study highlights turmeric
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental mutagens with widespread human exposure.
- Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) are common PAHs known for their mutagenic properties.
- Antimutagenic compounds are crucial for mitigating the health risks associated with PAH exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential antimutagenic effects of dietary turmeric against PAH-induced mutagenicity in vivo.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of turmeric as a dietary supplement in a rat model.
- To establish a reliable in vivo model for testing antimutagenicity.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered varying dietary levels of turmeric for up to 3 months.
- Animals were subsequently exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) via intraperitoneal injection.
- Urinary mutagens were quantified using the Salmonella typhimurium assay.
Main Results:
- Dietary turmeric, at levels of 0.5% and higher, significantly inhibited B[a]P- and 3-MC-mediated mutagenicity.
- Turmeric supplementation did not result in adverse effects on rat food intake or body weight gain.
- No significant histological alterations were observed in the rats fed turmeric.
Conclusions:
- Dietary turmeric exhibits significant antimutagenic properties against common PAHs.
- Turmeric is a safe dietary supplement, showing no adverse effects at the tested concentrations.
- The rat model employed in this study serves as a valuable in vivo system for evaluating antimutagenic potential.