Pectins and xyloglucans exhibit antimutagenic activities against nitroaromatic compounds

Because a high daily consumption of polysaccharides-containing food is asse ssed to decrease the risk of cancer of the gastrointestinal system, differe nt types of carbohydrates were investigated for their antimutagenic activit y against different standard mutagens. Within the screening pronounced anti mutagenic effects were found for xyloglucan and different pectins and pecti n-like rhamnogalacturonans against 1-nitropyrene induced mutagenicity. Inhi bition rates were dose-dependent and varied between 20 and 50 %. Concerning the mode of action a direct interaction of the polymers with the cells is claimed, protecting the organisms from the mutagenic attack.