Antigenotoxic Effects of Curcumin and Piperine Alone or in Combination Against 7,12–Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Induced Genotoxicity in Bone Marrow of Golden Syrian Hamsters

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the effect of curcumin and piperine alone or in combination against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity in the bone marrow of hamsters. The antigenotoxic effect was evaluated by analyzing the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and chromosomal aberrations. Genotoxicity was induced in experimental hamsters by single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg/kg b.w). Oral pretreatment of curcumin (80 mg/kg b.w), piperine (50 mg/kg b.w), and curcumin (80 mg/kg b.w) + piperine (50 mg/kg b.w), respectively, for 5 days, significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs and the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow of hamsters. The results suggest that cucumin and piperine in combination have a potent antigenotoxic effect as compared to either agent alone in DMBA-induced genotoxicity in golden Syrian hamsters.

KEYWORDS:

• Antioxidants
• Curcumin
• DMBA
• Genotoxicity
• Lipid Peroxidation
• Piperine

Financial support from University grants commission, New Delhi is gratefully acknowledged.