Evidence of Some Natural Products with Antigenotoxic Effects. Part 2: Plants, Vegetables, and Natural Resin

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The agents capable of causing damage to genetic material are known as genotoxins and, according to their mode of action, are classified into mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens. Genotoxins are also involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic degenerative diseases, including hepatic, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular disorders; diabetes; arthritis; cancer; chronic inflammation; and ageing. In recent decades, researchers have found novel bioactive phytocompounds able to counteract the effects of physical and chemical mutagens. Several studies have shown the antigenotoxic potential of different fruits and plants (Part 1). In this review (Part 2), we present a research overview conducted on some plants and vegetables (spirulina, broccoli, chamomile, cocoa, ginger, laurel, marigold, roselle, and rosemary), which are frequently consumed by humans. In addition, an analysis of some phytochemicals extracted from those vegetables and the analysis of a resin (propolis),whose antigenotoxic power has been demonstrated in various tests, including the Ames assay, sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus, and comet assay, was also performed.

Antigenotoxic, Anti-photogenotoxic, and Antioxidant Properties of Polyscias filicifolia Shoots Cultivated In Vitro

“…Among a great number of bioactive compounds present in vegetables, fruits, and herbs, phenolic compounds attract attention due to their antioxidant as well as antimutagenic properties and their preventive role in diseases associated with oxidative stress [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. In recent years, the use of herbal medicines has grown considerably, not only for their beneficial effect on human health but also due to their activity as antiaging agents [18,19].…”

Genoprotective activities of plant natural substances in cancer and chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine

“…Additionally to the significant anticancer properties of plant compounds in already initiated process of carcinogenesis in vitro, in vivo, or in clinical sphere [96][97][98][99][100], their widespread use in cancer chemoprevention should not be forgotten. Plant natural compounds exhibit significant genoprotective effects such as protection against DNA damage, detoxification of carcinogens, or induction of DNA repair [101,102].…”

The w/w + Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) of Drosophila melanogaster for Detecting Antigenotoxic Activity

“…Among the processes related to genotoxicity, with an increased relevance in the last years, the analysis of antigenotoxicity is probably the most important one. The search for antigenotoxic agents that could prevent or counteract the harmful consequences of the exposure to DNA damaging agents has increased exponentially lately [29][30][31]. Since most of the possible antigenotoxic agents are components of natural products that could be included in the diet, the analysis of their properties should be performed in in vivo experiments.…”