Inhibitory activity of chlorophyllin on the genotoxicity of carcinogens in Drosophila.

Antimutagenic activity of copper chlorophyllin against various carcinogenic mutagens was assayed with Drosophila genotoxicity tests, i.e., the wing spot test for detecting somatic cell mutations and the DNA repair test for detecting DNA damage. In these tests, Drosophila larvae were fed carcinogens together with chlorophyllin. Polycyclic aromatic compounds, including heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines and aromatic nitro compounds, were subject to inhibition, with a few exceptions. The results support the view that chlorophyllin traps carcinogens by forming complexes, thereby inhibiting the absorption of these compounds from the digestive tract. Consistent with this mechanism, Sepharose-supported chlorophyllin in the feed inhibited the Trp-P-2-induced wing spot formation, while Sepharose itself was ineffective.