MODULATORY INFLUENCES OF MACE (MYRISTICA-FRAGRANS, HOUTT) ON HEPATIC DETOXIFICATION SYSTEMS AND BONE-MARROW GENOTOXICITY IN MALE SWISS ALBINO MICE

Modulatory effects on mace administration (0.5%, 1% and 2% w/w through diet) to male Swiss albino mice for 10, 20 and 30 days in the hepatic levels of Cytochrome P-450 (Cyt. P-450), Cytochrome b5 (Cyt. b5), Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase (AHH), Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), DT-Diaphorase (DTD), Acid soluble sulfhydryl (SH) content and radiation-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were recorded. Enhanced GST, DTD, Cyt. b5 and Cyt. P-450 levels were observed for all the three doses, with the exception of 0.5% mace-diet, which was not effective for GST and DTD levels when administered for 10 days. Elevated SH levels and reduced MDA values were observed in 2% mace diet fed animals at all durations while the lower doses were effective only when administered for 20 or 30 days. A marginal enhancement in AHH activity was observed in mice maintained on a 2% mace-diet for 20 and 30 days. An in vivo bone marrow micronucleus assay conducted with 0.5% and 2% mace-diets in male mice failed to induce micronuclei or demonstrate any appreciable modulation of the 7-12, dimethyl benz(a)-anthracene (DMBA) induced genotoxicity. The results indicate a simultaneous enhancement in the major Phase I and Phase II enzymes, suggesting a 'bifunctional-inducer' like properties of mace on the xenobiotic metabolic pathways. The data also suggests a strengthened GST-GSH pool with a concomitant resistance to radiation induced damage in mouse liver by mace diet. An enzymatic basis for the potential chemopreventive and antioxidative aspects of mace is hence suggested.