Protective role of Annona squamosa linn bark extracts in DMBA induced genotoxicity.

BACKGROUND There has been no dearth of scientific literature that genotoxic agents have a causative effect in the pathogenesis of carcinomas. 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), which is a potent organ specific carcinogen, has been found to produce mutagenic effects on cells. Annona squamosa has a long history in traditional Indian medicine for being used to treat several diseases including cancer. OBJECTIVE Aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of Annona squamosa bark extracts in DMBA induced genotoxicity in golden Syrian hamsters. MATERIAL AND METHODS Genotoxicity was induced in golden Syrian hamsters by single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg/kg body weight). The antigenotoxic effect of aqueous and ethanolic bark extracts of Annona squamosa was assessed by determining the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and chromosomal aberrations. RESULTS The frequency of MnPCEs and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow were higher in DMBA treated animals as compared to control animals. Oral administration of aqueous and ethanolic bark extracts significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs and chromosomal aberration in DMBA treated hamsters. CONCLUSION Although both extracts have shown antigenotoxic effect, the effect of ethanolic extract was found to be more prominent than the aqueous extract. The present study thus demonstrates the antigenotoxic effect of Annona squamosa bark extracts in DMBA induced genotoxicity in golden Syrian hamsters.