Administration of garlic and tomato can protect from carcinogen induced clastogenicity

Consumption of garlic and tomato has been associated with reduced risk of many human cancers. The effects of these two dietary items were studied experimentally on carcinogen [Isqb]DMBA[rsqb] induced clastogenicity in Swiss mice. Chromosomal aberrations, which are predictor of cancer risk, were found to be reduced in bone marrow cells of Swiss mice exposed to carcinogens. Significant reduction of chromosomal aberration was noted in bone marrow on day 21 and 30 (p < 0.02) although reduction was first evident after 96 hours. This is possibly the first report to suggest that oral administration of garlic and tomato can protect from the damaging effects of carcinogenic insult. It is proposed that one or other of many constituents garlic and tomato may be responsible for the definite protective effect on chromosomal aberrations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.