Antimutagenic activity of Ashwagandha against lead nitrate: A genetic and non-genetic biomarkers’ evaluation

The genetic and non-genetic biomarkers were evaluated to study the protective effect of methanolic extract of ashwagandha (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w p.o) against Lead nitrate (40 mg/kg b.w i.p) induced toxicity. Frequency of micronuclei (MN) was evaluated as genetic marker using mouse bone marrow micronucleus test in mice treated with Ashwagandha and lead nitrate. The liver enzymes SOD, catalase and GSH were estimated as non-genetic biomarkers in ashwagandha and lead nitrate treated animals. A dose dependent and time related inhibitory effect of ashwagandha treatment on frequencies of MN induced by lead nitrate in both polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) cells MN was observed. The decrease in P/N ratio induced by lead was also prevented by the ashwagandha treatment. The level of SOD, catalase and GSH in liver was significantly depressed following lead nitrate administration and the ashwagandha treatment enhanced the level of these enzymes significantly. These findings suggest that ashwagandha extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of reactive oxygen radicals generated by lead nitrate.