Pectins and xyloglucans exhibit antimutagenic activities against nitroaromatic compounds.

Because a high daily consumption of polysaccharides-containing food is assessed to decrease the risk of cancer of the gastrointestinal system, different types of carbohydrates were investigated for their antimutagenic activity against different standard mutagens. Within the screening pronounced antimutagenic effects were found for xyloglucan and different pectins and pectin-like rhamnogalacturonans against 1-nitropyrene induced mutagenicity. Inhibition rates were dose-dependent and varied between 20 and 50%. Concerning the mode of action a direct interaction of the polymers with the cells is claimed, protecting the organisms from the mutagenic attack.