In Vitro Anticlastogenic and Antioxidant properties of extracted and Pure form of Curcumin against Mitomycin C in Human Peripheral Leukocytes

Objectives: Turmeric is native to India and is widely used in Indian cuisine. Curcumin, the active principle of turmeric used primarily as a coloring agent in food, drug and cosmetics. The medicinal properties of curcumin are well known in ancient Indian Ayurvedic Medicine. Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic agent used to fight a number of different cancers including cancer of the stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, breast, lung, uterus, cervix, bladder, head, neck, eye and esophagus. It is a potent DNA cross-linker. But it has severe side effect, the prolonged use of the drug may result in permanent bone marrow damage and other various types of secondary tumors in normal cells. The present study was conducted to examine the anticlastogenic action of extracted curcumin from dry turmeric and pure curcumin against the MMC-induced chromosomal aberrations. For this purpose, in the present study, clastogenic parameter like chromosomal aberration test was conducted in peripheral human leukocytes. Methods: The antioxidant property of both extracted and pure curcumin was also evaluated by phosphomolybdenum method. Results: Our results demonstrated that, extracted as well as pure Curcumin, a strong antioxidant phyto-molecule is effective in counteracting the clastogenicity in human leukocyte in vitro. Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of turmeric in diet may be an effective protection against the health crisis generated by harmful agents.