Genotoxicology of plant compounds

Abstract

Experimental data obtained during genotoxicity investigation of herbal compounds were summarized. Compounds with established and/or presumed genotoxic activity were singled out. They include allyl isothiocyanates, anthraquinones, aristolochic acids, hydra-zines, propenyl benzenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, single flavonoids, etc. The data were analyzed critically and it was concluded that most of the results require confirmation, as they were obtained using inadequate test systems. Relevant trends and investigation algorithms used in genotoxicology studies of herbal compounds were defined.