In vivo effects of single or combined dietary antimutagens on mutagen-induced chromosomal aberrations.

The food components chlorophyllin, beta-carotene and alpha-linolenic acid (in its methyl ester form) were tested in Chinese hamsters for antimutagenic activity on the powerful mutagen thio-tepa. Each of these natural protective compounds inhibited by 70-85% the clastogenic effects induced by the mutagen. When 2 or 3 of these antimutagens were administered simultaneously no additive effects were observed. alpha-Linolenic acid methyl ester was the most effective antimutagen under the experimental conditions.