Different effects of newly isolated saponins on the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs mitomycin C and bleomycin in human lymphocytes

Mutat Res. 1998 Dec 3;420(1-3):49-54. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5718(98)00146-6.

Abstract

Aim of the present paper was to assess by using the in vitro micronucleus (MN) test in human lymphocytes the effect of two plant extracts isolated from Blupeurum fruticosum (saponins) on the clastogenicity and cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs mitomycin C (MMC) and bleomycin (BLM). One saponin showed a dose-dependent MMC-induced mutagenesis inhibition together with co-genotoxic effect on BLM-treated cultures. The remaining saponin did not significantly alter MN induction of both chemotherapeutic agents whereas it enhanced BLM cytotoxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / toxicity*
  • Bleomycin / toxicity*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / chemistry
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Male
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Mitomycin / toxicity*
  • Mutagens / pharmacology
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / toxicity*
  • Plants / chemistry
  • Saponins / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Mutagens
  • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Saponins
  • Bleomycin
  • Mitomycin