[The antimutagenic and gene-protective properties of preparations of plant origin]

The data of experimental studies of gene protective and antimutagenic activities of plant extracts on different test systems is reviewed. The most frequently used test systems are microorganisms and experimental animals (49.4 and 40.6% of cases, respectively). Plant test systems, insects and human cell cultures are rarely used (7.2, 2.9, and 4.3, respectively). Antimutagenic properties of plant preparations are due to vitamins, pigments, polyphenol complex, coumarin, flavonoids, terpenic saponins, lactons etc.