Modulatory Effect of Aegle marmelos against Benzo (a) Pyrene B(a)P Induced Genotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Dietary factors are considered important environmental risk determinants for various diseases. Present study shows the modulatory influence of methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (AM) on Benzo(a)Pyrene (B(a)P) (125 mg kg(-1)) induced genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The effect of AM was studied by in vivo bone marrow chromosomal aberration and micronuclei induction test. Two doses of AM (25 and 50 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were given orally for seven days prior to the administration of B[a]P. The efficacy of plant extract was also evaluated by an in vitro cytochrome P-450 (CYP), DNA-sugar damage in calf thymus DNA and Fe++/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation (p<0.001) in microsome of mice. Significant increase in the antioxidant activity (p<0.001) and a concomitant decrease (p<0.001) in the malondialdehyde level were observed at three concentrations of plant extract (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg kg(-1) b. wt.). Administration of AM, showed inhibitory effects on the genotoxicity of B[a]P in terms of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation. The chemopreventive effect of AM on the inhibition of CYP activity and DNA integrity mediate the possible mechanism of inhibition of genotoxicity.