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Mutagenicity studies of kojic acid.
C I Wei1, T S Huang, S Y Fernando
1Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0163.
Toxicology Letters
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Kojic acid, a fungal metabolite, was found to cause genetic damage. It induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in mammalian cells and mutations in bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Kojic acid is a natural compound derived from fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium.
- Its biological activities and potential toxicological effects require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the genotoxic potential of kojic acid.
- To determine if kojic acid can induce genetic mutations and chromosomal damage.
Main Methods:
- Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
- Chromosomal aberration assay in CHO cells, with and without rat liver S9 mix.
- Bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 with both plate-incorporation and preincubation methods.
Main Results:
- Kojic acid induced a significant increase in sister chromatid exchanges in CHO cells.
- Chromosomal aberrations were observed in CHO cells treated with kojic acid, irrespective of metabolic activation (S9 mix).
- Mutations were induced in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 by kojic acid.
Conclusions:
- Kojic acid exhibits genotoxic properties.
- The compound demonstrates mutagenic activity in both mammalian cells and bacteria.
- These findings highlight potential risks associated with kojic acid exposure.