Genotoxicity is one of the major causes for cancer. Genotoxins are agents that can cause the damage of DNA or chromosomal structure thereby causing mutations. It can be chemical or radiation. This damage in the somatic cells will lead to various diseases ranging to cancer whereas the damage to the germ cell will lead to heritable diseases. Better identification and understanding of genotoxins would enable us to prevent the potential damage that can be caused by these genotoxic agents. In this article we discuss about the basic of genotoxicity and the importance of genotoxic studies.

Dr.Darwin, who was an algae scientist from Germany, Discovered the spiral-shaped algae presence and designated it Spirulina. Spirulina, a seaweed which is a blue-green algae biomass, belongs to the class of cyanobacteria discovered by non-referenced Mexicans in the 16th century and has been used as a daily food source. The first large-scale spirulina plant was created in 1970 and is now being grown in many areas of the globe. Many species of spirulina have been identified in recent decades, but among them are spirulina platensis and spirulina maxima. It is enriched with lots of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, proteins, pigments, minerals, …etc…, and is considered a wonder of nature. It is a powerful dietary supplement wealthy in nutrients and vitamins used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency as a food supplement during space missions and capable of fighting against multiple microbial illnesses by enhancing immunity. Spirulina exhibits anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and many other activities and also found useful in the production of feedstocks.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of MESA on NDEA induced hepatocellular carcinoma on Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: Semecarpus anacardium commonly known as 'marking nut tree' is a rich antioxidant and in Ayurveda it has been used for treatment of various forms of cancer. Methanolic extract of leaves of Semecarpus anacardium (MESA) was studied for its potential antioxidant property both in vitro and in vivo. NDEA 200 mg/kg, single i.p was the hepatocarcinogen while 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of MESA was administered daily orally for 12 weeks. Protective effect of MESA was evaluated by measuring biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, ALP and LDH. Alpha fetoprotein test was performed and histopathology changes of livers were assessed. Results: Preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and vitamin C. MESA restored the level of antioxidants near to normal and reduced the elevated serum level of SGOT, SGPT, AST, LDH and AFP. The histopathology changes i.e. necrosis, widened sinusoids, elevated inflammatory cell infiltrate were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the extract. Conclusion:The result of the present study indicates MESA to be rich in antioxidants and its active constituents mediated the free radical scavenging activity. 400 mg/kg extract showed promising effect in management of primary liver cancer.

The decoction of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. of Oleaceae widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of sciatica, arthritis, fevers, various painful conditions and diuretics, liver disorders and as laxative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis for hepatoprotective effect against carbontetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats. Administration of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis protect the liver from toxic effects of carbontetrachloride by reducing the elevated levels of Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum bilirubin (total and direct). Results revealed that both the alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed significant hepatoprotective activity by reducing the elevated levels of biochemical parameters at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples which showed regeneration of hepatocytes by the extracts.