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Planta Med 1999; 65(5): 395-399
DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-14013
Original Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Pectins and Xyloglucans Exhibit Antimutagenic Activities against Nitroaromatic Compounds

Andreas Hensel, Karin Meier
  • Institut für Botanik und Pharmazeutische Biologie Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

October 6,1998

January 24,1999

Publication Date:
31 December 1999 (online)

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Abstract:

Because a high daily consumption of polysaccharides-containing food is assessed to decrease the risk of cancer of the gastrointestinal system, different types of carbohydrates were investigated for their antimutagenic activity against different standard mutagens. Within the screening pronounced antimutagenic effects were found for xyloglucan and different pectins and pectin-like rhamnogalacturonans against 1-nitropyrene induced mutagenicity. Inhibition rates were dose-dependent and varied between 20 and 50%. Concerning the mode of action a direct interaction ofthe polymers with the cells is claimed, protecting the organisms from the mutagenic attack.

Key words:

Polysaccharides - xyloglucan - pectin - antimutagenicity - Saltnonella typhimuriurn