Antimutagenic Effect of the Ellagic Acid and Curcumin Combinations

Introduction: There is an evidence to support the health benefits of diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Plant-based foods are complex mixtures of bioactive phytochemicals. The potential health effects of individual phytochemicals, their combinations or combinations of phytochemicals and others drugs is studied in detail. Ellagic acid belongs to the group of bioactive polyphenols in fruit: strawberries, raspberries, grapes, black currant and walnuts. Curcumin is a natural compound extracted from the root of Curcuma longa plant. Methods: We perform in vitro Ames test and in vivo micronucleus test toward three mutagens/carcinogens, aflatoxin B1 and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoline and N-nitroso-N-methylurea to prove an antimutagenic effect of ellagic acid, curcumin and their combinations. Results: We verified the dose dependent antimutagenic effect of ellagic acid, curcumin and their combinations in both tests. The significantly increased effect of some combinations on the mutagenicity of indirect mutagens in the Ames test and on the direct mutagenicity of MNU in the micronucleus test, as compared with effect of ellagic acid or curcumin used separately, was also ascertained.