Possible modulating action of plant infusion of Ocimum sanctum L. on chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges induced by chlormadinone acetate in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Chlormadinone acetate (CMA) is a synthetic progesterone analogue. It has its usage in oral contraceptives formulations and also for estrous synchronization of animals. The aim of the present study is to study the anti- genotoxic activity of the plant infusion against the CMA induced genotoxic damage on cultured human lymphocytes, using chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCFs) as parameters. For chromosomal aberration analysis, the treatment of 40 microM of CMA was associated with 4.33% abnormal metaphases. The treatment of 40 microM of CMA, separately with 1.075 x 10(-4), 2.125 x 10(-4) and 3.15 x 10(-4) gm l(-1) of plant infusion results in the reduction of the number of abnormal metaphases i.e. 2.67%, 2.00% and 1.67% respectively. For sister chromatid exchange analysis, the frequency of sister chromatid exchange per cell (SCE(S)/Cell) for the treatment of 40 microM of CMA was 6.43. The treatment of 40 microM of CMA, separately with 1.075 x 10(-4), 2.125 x 10(-4) and 3.15 x 10(-4) gm l(-1) of plant infusion results in the significant reduction of the frequency of SCE(S)/Cell i.e. 3.76, 3.01 and 2.94, respectively, as compared to the CMA (40 microM) treatment alone (6.43). The used dosages of plant infusion did not increase chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges at significant level as compared to the untreated. The results of the present study suggest that the plant infusion per se does not have genotoxic potential, but can modulate the genotoxicity of chlormadinone acetate in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Protective role of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against the genotoxic damage induced by ethynodiol diacetate in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Antioxidants and plant products are reported to reduce the genotoxic damage of steroids. In our present study we have tested different dosages of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against the genotoxic damage induced by ethynodiol diacetate in the presence of S9 mix. Treatments with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) results in the reduction of the genotoxic damage. A significant decrease was observed at all the tested doses of NDGA in sister chromatic exchanges of number of abnormal cells. The results suggest a protective role of NDGA against the genotoxic damage.