Chemoprotective activity of boldine: modulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes

Possible chemoprotective effects of the naturally occuring alkaloid boldine , a major alkaloid of boldo (Peumus boldus Mel.) leaves and bark, including in vitro modulations of drug-metabolizing enzymes in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1 cell line and mouse hepatic microsomes, were investigated. Boldine manifes ted inhibition activity on hepatic microsomal CYPIA-dependent 7-ethoxyresor ufin O-deethylase and CYP3A-dependent testosterone 6 beta -hydroxylase acti vities and stimulated glutathione S-transferase activity in Hepa-1 cells. I n addition to the known antioxidant activity, boldine could decrease the me tabolic activation of other xenobiotics including chemical mutagens.