Role of Syzygium cumini seed extract in the chemoprevention of in vivo genomic damage and oxidative stress

The seeds of Syzygium cumini, Skeels (Jamun) are extensively used in India for treatment of diabetes and other ailments. The aim of this work was to assess the role of Jamun seed extract (JSE) as a chemoprotective agent against in vivo oxidative stress and genomic damage. Experiments were carried out to evaluate in vitro protective effects of JSE against hydroxyl radical induced damage in pBR322 DNA, and in vivo genomic damage and oxidative stress in mice which received JSE orally for 5 days before exposure to genotoxic carcinogens urethane (URE) and 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of JSE showed significant protective effects against hydroxyl radical induced strand breaks in pBR322 DNA. The in vivo experiments with aqueous JSE showed significant protective effects against chromosomal damage induced by the genotoxic carcinogens URE and DMBA. Biochemical assays registered significant inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation and increase in GSH level and activity of GST, SOD and CAT. Our findings suggest that JSE can possibly play an important role as a chemopreventive agent against oxidative stress and genomic damage.