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.
Polysaccharides - xyloglucan - pectin - antimutagenicity -
Saltnonella typhimuriurn
