Antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential of aqueous fraction of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata (L.) against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced chromosome damage in mice.
The antigenotoxic potential of an aqueous fraction of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata was evaluated by measuring the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in mice bone marrow, using 4-nitroquinoline-1oxide (NQO) as the reference mutagen. In addition, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant levels were also quantified with liver tissue of the same mice to assess their antioxidant potential. Swiss albino mice of either sex (25-30 g) were orally pretreated with an aqueous fraction (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. NQO (7.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally after 2 hours until the final day (day 5) of treatment with aqueous fraction. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours later by cervical dislocation and processed for micronuclei and bioassays. A significant reduction (about 67%) of NQO-induced MnPCE frequency was observed at the dose of 320 mg/kg. The LPO was also suppressed effectively, with concomitant changes in both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. The restoration level was dose dependent in LPO and glutathione-s-transferase, whereas it was dose independent in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. The results indicate that the aqueous fraction of M. spicata mediates their antigenotoxic effects by the modulation of LPO and antioxidant enzymes.
Department of Genetics, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India. ponnanarumugam@gmail.com
Ponnan
P
Arumugam
Arabandi
A
Ramesh
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004249:DNA Damage; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D005720:Gamma Rays; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D031337:Mentha spicata / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective; D009153:Mutagens; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D009153:Mutagens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D000431:Ethanol; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D005978:Glutathione