Red cabbage is a source of health beneficial substances with antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties. HPLC analysis specifying the content of the investigated extract indicated that mainly anthocyanins (ATH) were responsible for its abilities. Cytological research was conducted with two experimental models: plant tissues--meristematic cells of Vicia faba, and animal tissue elements--human lymphocytes. Positive influence of ATH extract on mitotic activity of Vicia cells exposed to Cu(2+) stress, and inhibitory effect of ATH on cytotoxic actions of Cu(2+) on lymphocytes were demonstrated. In all experimental series with ATH application in combinations with Cu(2+), mitotic index (MI) were higher than those obtained for only Cu(2+) stressed tissues. Preincubation in ATH before Cu(2+) stress had the best effect. Similarly, after ATH applications in all tested series decrease in frequency of micronuclei (MN) appearance was noticed in comparison with only Cu(2+) stressed material. In the case of Vicia cells ATH acted effectively even applied after Cu(2+) stress. It suggests that this ATH mixture not only prevents and limits but also heals the cytological injury caused by Cu(2+) stress.