[Antimutagenic effects of beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina].
AIM
To study the genotoxic and antimutagenic efficts of beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina (beta-CDS).


METHODS
The in vitro micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests in hunman lymphocytes were adopted. The effect of beta-CDS on mutagensis induced by gamma-rays and mitomycin (Mit) was studied.


RESULTS
beta-CDS (1-30 mg.L-1) had no genotoxicity, but inhibited spontaneous and gamma-ray-induced micronucleus fromation and Mit-induced chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro. The genotoxic action of synthetic beta-carotene (S beta C) was suppressed, the antimutagenic effects were heightened when S beta C and beta-carotene oil (beta CO, one of the beta-CDS compositions) were mixed in proportion as 80:27.5.


CONCLUSION
beta-CDS is an antimutagenic agent.