Anti-clastogenic potential of carnosic acid against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced clastogenesis

Carnosic acid,a primary phenolic compound found in the leaves of rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis),has diverse pharmacological and biological activities. the aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-clastogenic effect of carnosic acid in dmba-induced clastogenesis. the frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mnpces),chromosomal aberrations (cytogenetic end points),the status of phase i and ii detoxification enzymes,lipid peroxidation by-products and antioxidants (biochemical endpoints) were analyzed to assess the anti-clastogenic effect of carnosic acid in dmba-induced clastogenesis. oral pretreatment of carnosic acid for five days to dmba-treated hamsters significantly protected dmba-induced clastogenesis as well as biochemical abnormalities. although the exact mechanism of anti-clastogenic effects of carnosic acid is unclear,the antioxidant potential and effect on modulation of phase i and ii detoxification enzymes could play a possible role. copyright © 2010 by institute of pharmacology polish academy of sciences.