UV rays induced DNA damage: Protection by polyphenols enriched extract of mint leaves

Abstract

DNA of live cells is damaged when exposed to harmful Ultraviolet rays. If the cells are exposed to UV rays exposure time more duration of time, more thymine dimers are formed in the DNA and the greater the risk of an incorrect repair or a missed dimer. To analyze the effect of UV rays Calf thymus DNA and prevention by polyphenol enriched extract of Mint leaves and also its non toxic nature. The above study was done by using submarine gel electrophoresis where UV rays are used to damage the DNA and BHA (400µM) used as positive control. The polyphenol enriched extract was taken at 15μg concentration prevent UV rays induced DNA fragmentation in submarine agarose gel electrophoresis which provides same protection when compared to standard antioxidant BHA (400μM). The cytotoxicity studies showed that, the extract and BHA provides a protection of 54% whereas, the extract of Mint leaves extract showed 72%. In conclusion, the Mint leaves extract showed a promising DNA protectant activity against UV rays induced DNA damage.