Now-a-days, there is a big need to reduce genotoxic effects of mutagenic and carcinogenic agents in environment, which are increased by the technological development. Lichens produce a wide variety of unique metabolites due to being in various extreme areas and being symbiotic organisms of fungi and algae. Therefore, this study was planned to search new sources having antimutagenic activity by researching two different lichen species and to determine whether their usage is safe. With this respect, the mutagenic and antimutagenic properties of methanol extracts of the lichens were determined by the bacterial reverse mutation and sister chromatid exchange assays. Furthermore, the malondialdehyde level, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities against aflatoxin B1 were determined for understanding the ways in which the lichens showed their genotoxic properties.
Keywords: Peltigera sp.; SCE; antigenotoxicity; antioxidant enzymes; bacterial reverse mutation assay.
© The Author(s) 2013.