Protective effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) against mitomycin C induced micronuclei in mice.
Mitomycin C (MMC) is a highly active anticancer drug commonly used alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of different cancers. Its bioactivated form critically damages the DNA present in both rapidly dividing cancerous cells as well as in normal cells. Genotoxicity in the normal cells makes this drug highly toxic; thereby decreasing its therapeutic index for clinical use. The study investigated the chemoprotective potential of American ginseng root extract against MMC by using the micronuclei test in a mouse test system. Pre-treatment with ginseng at doses 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o. for 3 and 7 days significantly decreased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). Similar protective effects were also observed during co-treatment with ginseng at similar doses for 3 and 7 days. The present results indicate that American ginseng extract is capable of suppressing the chromosomal aberration induced by MMC in mice. Thus, American ginseng may be a potent chemoprotective agent against the toxicity of the anticancer drug, mitomycin C.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India.
Amol Ashok
AA
Pawar
Durga Nand
DN
Tripathi
Poduri
P
Ramarao
Gopabandhu
G
Jena
D000818:Animals; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000187:drug effects*; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005894:Panax; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016685:Mitomycin