MODULATION OF CARCINOGEN-METABOLIZING ENZYME BY MADINAH MINT (Mentha spp) IN RAT LIVER.

BACKGROUND

The present study was undertaken to assess whether boiling water mint extract (BWME) modulates the cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase system.

METHODS

Male albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, comprising 12 animals each. The first group served as control, whereas the second was maintained on BWME (10 % w/v) as its sole drinking liquid for six weeks. Liver microsomal were separated and subjected for phase I and II enzymes (cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase) analysis.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that, BWME caused a significant elevation in the activity of epoxide hydrolase (p<0.001) when compared with the control. However, glutathione S-transferase and glucuronosyl transferase activities were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.01) respectively compared with control. The mutagenic activity of N-nitrosopiperidine was lower in the mint-treated hepatic microsomal compared with the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that BWME has the potential to suppress the activity of cytochrome enzymes involved in the bio-activation of chemical carcinogen; hence may display chemo preventive activity.