The Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Effects of Plant Products | Chapter 4 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 5

Plant product toxicity or herbal toxicity is a field that has rapidly grown worldwide over the last few years, along with increased use of plant products. The aim of this study is to discuss the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of some plant products. This chapter mainly focuses on the plants that are accepted as healthy; however, they contain genotoxic and carcinogenic compounds. This chapter discussed the commonly used herbal foods and medications that are carcinogenic. Moreover, the risks and hazards of some plants were discussed, and thorough studies were conducted.

 

Herbs, seeds, leaves or plant products are widely used as food, medicines, and even some people become addicted to betel nut chewing, pan masala, tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, etc., but sometimes may cause adverse effects in the body. These products induce various diseases, illnesses and even cancer. Therefore, using herbal products or medicines does not ensure their complete safety. These plant products or extracts are known to contain chemical components identified as significant genotoxic mutagens and carcinogens. Sometimes, these genotoxic agents are transformed or metabolised into procarcinogens and carcinogens. For example, fungal toxin aflatoxin is metabolised into a poisonous carcinogen that can cause the mutation of the p53 gene, and finally, hepatocellular carcinoma is induced. Contradictory results are often obtained with the beneficial and adverse effects of plant products as reported. The researchers should conduct further studies to assess the toxicity of plant products and their interactive effects on cancer risk. The government should take the initiative to inspire researchers to conduct extensive research in this field and to educate the general public about the need to restrict the excessive use of these products.

 

Author (s) Details

Sudipta Chowdhury
P.G. Institute of Medical Sciences, Chandrakona Town, Paschim Medinipore -721201, West Bengal, India.

 

Samarendra Nath Banerjee
Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, 102/1 Raja Rammohan Sarani, Kolkata-700009, West Bengal, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v5/5703

Oncofertility in the 21st Century: The Impact of Mutagenic Chemotherapy Exposure on Gamete Preservation | Chapter 07 | Issues and Developments in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 6

 The influence of used drugs on hormonal and gonadal function, and the resulting diminished gonadal reserve or premature gonadal failure, are heavily entwined with cancer treatment-related infertility problems. While germ cell preservation recommendations are primarily focused on preventing cause infertility, they do not take into account earlier chemotherapeutic exposures that could result in genetic alteration, potentially leading to congenital abnormalities. This exploratory analysis is being presented in order to improve recognition of agents and exposures that should be identified during oncofertility assessment in order to prevent gamete preservation. The results of an original study analysing the established pharmacokinetics and mutagenic toxicities of conventional chemotherapy were compared to the rates at which such medicines were administered during a 23-week period. A significant 54 percent of the investigated agents (and related metabolites) were found to be mutagenic; analysis of the agent distribution pattern revealed mutagenic exposures in more than one-third of the treated child-bearing population, accounting for 27 percent of the total study patient population. Because more than half of conventional chemotherapeutics have the ability to modify the DNA of oocytes and sperm, past exposures to mutagenic chemotherapeutics should be investigated. If exposure is proven, gamete preservation may be prohibited due to an increased risk of genetic mutation, which could result in both physical and mental birth abnormalities. The necessity to examine newly emerging oncologic drugs for mutagenic/clastogenic potential, as well as the identification of such exposures in reproductive-age cancer patients, profoundly modifies the present approach to fertility preservation.

Author(S) Details

Nicole L. Longo, DO, FACOI
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, USA.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/IDMMR-V6/article/view/5599