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Modulation of carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme by madinah mint (Mentha spp) in rat liver


Abdulrahman L. Al-Malki
Elie K. Barbour
E.A. Huwait
Said S. Moselhy
Hani Choudhry

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to assess whether boiling water mint extract (BWME) modulates the cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase system.

Materials and methods: Male albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, comprising 12 animals each. The first group served as control, whereas the second was maintained on BWME (10 % w/v) as its sole drinking liquid for six weeks. Liver microsomal were separated and subjected for phase I and II enzymes (cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase) analysis

Results: The results obtained showed that, BWME caused a significant elevation in the activity of epoxide hydrolase (p<0.001) when compared with the control. However, glutathione S-transferase and glucuronosyl transferase activities were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.01) respectively compared with control. The mutagenic activity of N-nitrosopiperidine was lower in the minttreated hepatic microsomal compared with the controls.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that BWME has the potential to suppress the activity of cytochrome enzymes involved in the bioactivation of chemical carcinogen; hence may display chemo preventive activity.

Keywords: Carcinogen-PAH-Cytochrome P450


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eISSN: 0189-6016