In present set of investigations the chemoprotective effect of green tea and
ginger extracts has been evaluated using in vivo chromosomal aberrations assay in
albino mice (Mus musculus). The organophosphate agropesticide malathion, 80%
technical grade consider as a potent genotoxic agent, was given at a single dose 230
mg/kg b.w. (1/12 LD50) intraperitoneally. Pretreatment with 4 and 3% of freshly
prepared green tea (GTI), ginger (GI) extracts, respectively and the mixture of both
extracts (GTI+GI) were given through oral incubation for 6 days prior to malathion
administration. Animals from all the groups were sacrified at sampling times of 24
and 48 hours and their bone marrow cells were analyzed for chromosomal damages.
The animals of the positive control group (Malathion alone) showed a significant
increase in chromosomal aberrations both at 24 and 48 h sampling time. The green
tea and ginger extracts, alone did not significantly induced aberrations at either
sampling time, conforming their non-mutagenicity. However, significant
suppressions in the chromosomal aberrations were recorded following pretreatment
with green tea and ginger extracts administration. The antigenotoxic effects of both
extracts separately and in mixture were also evident, as observed by significant
increase in mitotic index, when compared to positive control group. Reduction in
malathion induced clastogenicity by both extracts, was evident at 24 h and to a much
greater extent at 48 h of cell cycle. Thus results of the present investigations
revealed that green tea and ginger extracts have chemoprotective potential against
malathion induced chromosomal mutations in albino mice.