CHLOROPHYLL AND CHLOROPHYLLIN AS MODIFIERS OF GENOTOXIC EFFECTS

Reports on an inverse relationship between the consumption of fresh ve getables and human gastrointestinal cancer have been followed by scree ning for the protective activity of a large number of plant extracts, including leafy vegetables. Chlorophyll is ubiquitous in all green pla nt parts. Chlorophyllins are derivatives of chlorophyll in which the c entral magnesium atom is replaced by other metals, such as cobalt, cop per or iron. An attempt has been made in this article to review the re lative efficacy of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin in modifying the geno toxic effects of various known toxicants.