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Modulating effect of plant flavonoids on the mutagenicity of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine
A R Francis1, T K Shetty, R K Bhattacharya
1Biochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay India.
Abstract:
Tests have been carried out with several plant flavonoids to detect their ability to suppress mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 NR induced by the direct-acting carcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Among the most effective flavonoids are the isoflavone, biochanin A, the flavanone glycoside, naringin, and its aglycone, naringenin, and several flavonols, e.g. morin, fisetin, kaempferol, gossypetin and quercetin, including a flavonol glycoside, rutin. In particular, naringin possesses exceptional antimutagenic activity, in as much as, less than half the equimolar amount can reduce the mutagenic potency of this carcinogen by 50%. These flavonoids appear to act either by preventing passage of the carcinogen into bacterial cells or by altering some cellular processes.
Insights
Several plant flavonoids, including naringin, can suppress mutagenesis. Naringin significantly reduces the mutagenic effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine by altering bacterial cell processes or preventing carcinogen entry.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Plant flavonoids are natural compounds with diverse biological activities.
- Mutagenesis can be induced by various chemical agents, posing health risks.
- Understanding antimutagenic compounds is crucial for developing protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimutagenic potential of various plant flavonoids.
- To identify specific flavonoids effective in suppressing mutagenesis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which flavonoids inhibit mutagenicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 NR as a model system.
- Induced mutagenesis using the direct-acting carcinogen N-methyl-N itro-N-nitrosoguanidine.
- Quantified the suppressive effects of different plant flavonoids on mutagenicity.
Main Results:
- Several flavonoids, including biochanin A, naringin, naringenin, morin, fisetin, kaempferol, gossypetin, quercetin, and rutin, demonstrated antimutagenic activity.
- Naringin exhibited particularly potent antimutagenic effects, reducing mutagenic potency by 50% with less than equimolar amounts.
- The tested flavonoids likely act by inhibiting carcinogen entry into bacterial cells or by interfering with cellular processes.
Conclusions:
- Plant flavonoids possess significant antimutagenic properties.
- Naringin is a highly effective antimutagenic agent.
- Flavonoids may offer a protective mechanism against chemical mutagens.