Medicinal plants with anti-mutagenic potential

Abstract

This review presents an overview of published studies for a better understanding of the antimutagenic potential of medicinal plants and the precise indications for the utilization of natural compounds as chemo-preventive agents. Reports on the anti-mutagenic potential of medicinal plants published from 1997 to 2019 were searched through different scientific databases using the following keywords: medicinal plants and mutagens, carcinogens, the anti-mutagenic potential of medicinal plants. The data relevant to the anti-mutagenic potential of some common medicinal plants is summarized in this mini-review. These medicinal plants include Carum carvi, Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Mentha spicata, Curcuma zedoaria, Cassia angustifolia, Cymbopogon citrates, Ipomoea batatas, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Citrullus colocynthis, Capsicum annuum and Asparagus racemosus. An overview of the identified molecules or enzymes being targeted is also presented, with a focus on anti-carcinogenic and/or anti-mutagenic activity. The recent advancements in the research on medicinal plants pave the way for the better understanding and future prospects of the use of natural components as chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents. ARTICLE HISTORY

Lansium domesticum—A Fruit with Multi-Benefits: Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals, Nutritional Value, and Bioactivities

“…Mutagens are agents that can invoke mutations [ 106 ]. They are not only included in carcinogenesis and genotoxicity but also the pathogenesis and inception of many chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and hepatic disorders, chronic inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, and aging [ 107 , 108 ]. Natural antimutagenics are known to protect against the detrimental effects of mutagens.…”

“…Natural antimutagenics are known to protect against the detrimental effects of mutagens. They include various plants and their active metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, carotenoids, tannins, anthraquinones, saponins, and terpenoids [ 107 ].…”

Boron Nitride Nanotubes for Curcumin Delivery as an Anticancer Drug: A DFT Investigation

“…In history, curcumin was used as a medicinal herb for its different purposes, including antioxidant [20], anti-inflammatory [21], anti-mutagenic [22], anti-microbial [23], and other therapeutic attributes [24]. Curcumin is distributed as capsules, tablets, and ointments in many forms [25].…”

Antimutagenic, Cytoprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Ficus deltoidea Aqueous Extract In Vitro

“…Antimutagens can be categorized into the following based on their mechanism of action: antimutagens with antioxidant activity, antimutagens that inhibit the activation of mutagens, antimutagens that act as blocking agents, and antimutagens with multiple modes of action [ 4 ]. The search of antimutagens in dietary food and natural products revealed a number of promising antimutagens and provided insights into the benefits of some food over others [ 4 , 8 ]. Some herbs used as folk medicine were scientifically proven to possess antimutagenic properties [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”