14E-18 |
Effect of roasting process on the antigenotoxic properties of Cassia tora L. |
C. H. WU, Department of Food Science, National Chung-Hsing University, 250 KuoKuang Road, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan and G. C. Yen, Dept. of Food Science, National Hsing Univ., 250 Kuokuang Rd., Taichung, 40227, Taiwan. The Chinese herb °§Jue-ming-zi°¨, which is the seed of Cassia tora L., has been used as a tonic for several centuries, and is sold in two forms, i.e. roasted and unroasted. The biological effects of unroasted C. tora were found to be higher than these of the roasted products. These herbs contain many antigenotoxic compounds, including chrysophenol, emodin and rhein. However, very little is known about the antigenotoxicity of water extracts from C. tora (WECT), and the data concerning the influences of roasting conditions on the antigenotoxic properties is not available. Objectives: This study focused on investigating the influences of roasting conditions on the antigenotoxicity of WECT, the change in active compounds under roasting process, and their responsible mechanisms. Methods: C. tora seeds were roasted at 150 ˘J and 250 ˘J for 5 min. Each sample was extracted with boiling water for 10 min, and the filtrates were freeze-dried. Antigenotoxicity of WECT was evaluated by Ames test and the Comet assay. The contents of anthraquinones in WECT were determined by HPLC after acid hydrolysis. Results: WECT showed a marked antigenotoxic potential against dietary mutagens Glu-P-1 and Trp-P-1 in both the Ames test and the Comet assay, and in the order of unroasted°Öroasted at 150˘J°Öroasted at 250˘J. WECT might produce molecular complexes with mutagens, and exhibited scavenging effect on the reactive intermediates of Trp-P-1 generated from the metabolic system. The reduction in the anthraquinones content during roasting process was associated with the decrease in antigenotoxic effects. Chrysophanol, emodin and rhein were found to have protective effects on DNA damage induced by Trp-P-1 (79, 64 and 38 %, respectively). Significations: Apart from the traditional pharmacological effects of C. tora., the water extracts of unroasted C. tora may have a potential health activity on the cancer chemoprevention.
Session 14E, Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods: General I
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