Protection by carotenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, vitamins and other natural compounds from fruits and vegetables against in vitro mutagenicity R Edenharder PhD 1, M Decker PhD 1, K L Platt PhD 2, I von Petersdorff MD 1, C Speth MD 1, X Tang MD 1 1 Department of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, 2 Institute of Toxicology, University of Mainz, Hochhaus am Augustusplatz, D-55131 Mainz, Germany AIM AND METHODS: Genotoxic heterocyclic amines of dietary origin such as IQ may participate in the etiology of human cancers, especially of colon and breast, and nitroarenes which are environmental pollutants may be involved in lung cancer. We therefore investigated various natural compounds for protective effects applying the in vitro Salmonella/reversion assay RESULTS: With respect to IQ, antimutagenic activities were exerted by many flavonoids, coumarins, chlorophyll, several fibers, especially lignins, and the vitamins riboflavin, FAD, FMN, all K-vitamins, other quinones, and various retinoids. Other vitamins were inactive while the carotenoids beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, alpha-cryptoxanthine and others were only marginally active. Among 45 flavonoids, catechins, isoflavones, anthocyanidines, dihydrochalcones and most glycosides were inactive while flavones, flavonols, flavanones and chalcones exerted antimutagenicity. Unpolar compounds were more potent than polar ones. Coumarins were less potent antimutagens except for tricylic compounds. The most important protective mechanism of phenolic compounds was inhibition of monooxygenases responsible for hydroxylation of IQ. With respect to nitroarenes, similarities and differences were observed. Among flavonoids, again catechins, anthocyanidines and most glycosides were inactive while on the other hand hydroxylated compounds exerted antimutagenicity which was strongest with the most polar compounds. The same was true for coumarins and other phenolics. Among vitamins, alpha-carotene, several retinoids, FMN, alpha-tocopherol, vitamins B12, C and K as well as chlorophyll showed antimutagenicity. CONCLUSIONS: Various natural compounds present in fruits and vegetables are able to protect against in vitro mutagenicity of heterocyclic amines as well as of nitroarenes. Protection in vivo may also be possible and warrants experimental investigation. Paper presented at the International Symposium on the Impact of Biotechnology on Prediction, Prevention and Treatment of Cancer; Nice, France; October 24 - 27, 1998; in the section on Dietary Factors. Annu Rev Nutr, 2001 J Nutritional & Env Med, 3/02 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.