A dose dependent anti-genotoxic effect of turmeric

The anti-genotoxic action of turmeric was evaluated by Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART). As described in other mutagenecity tests, turm eric showed non mutagenic effects in the SMART. The well known powerful mut agen urethane was used as a model to evaluate the anti-genotoxicity of turm eric. Combined treatment of urethane and turmeric displayed, throughout all concentrations assayed, an inhibition of the genotoxic effect of urethane by turmeric. This anti-genotoxic effect was proportional to the concentrati ons applied. The results obtained, both in single and combined treatments i ndicate the suitability of the wing spot test for miming the normal intake of substances. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.