Chlorophyllin ; DNA adduct ; Antimutagenic activity ; Anticarcinogenic activity
Abstract
Chlorophyllin (CHL), a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, has been used for the
treatment of several abnormal human conditions without apparent toxicity. Recent
studies have revealed that CHL is antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic against various
carcinogens in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, CHL exhibited dose-related
inhibition of His+ reversion in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 induced by
7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Formation of DNA adducts from DMBA was
also attenuated in the presence of CHL. Topical application of CHL prior to the topical
application of DMBA resulted in significant reduction in both incidence and multiplicity
of tumors in hamster buccal pouch. These results suggest that CHL may act as a
potential chemopreventive agent against oral cancer.