Identification of a mutagenic substance, in Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) root, as lucidin.

Mutagenicity of the extract from Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) root was demonstrated on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98. The active substance wa purified and characterized by TLC, UV spectrum, IR spectrum, mass spectrum and [1H]NMR spectrum. All the mutagenic activity of the extract from the root of Rubia tinctorum L. was due to lucidin (1,3-dihydroxy,2-hydroxymethyl-9, 10-anthraquinone).