Evaluation of the modulatory influence of food additive-garam masala on hepatic detoxication system.

Potential chemopreventive role of an Indian food additive-garam masala has been assessed through its impact on the hepatic levels of detoxication enzymes like glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome b5 (cyt. b5) and cytochrome P-450 (cyt. P-450), and acid soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content in 8-9 weeks old Swiss albino mice of either sex fed on the 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% (w/w) garam masala in the diet for 10 days. The data from this short term study revealed the significant but dose-independent alteration in the levels of detoxication system enzymes. The results suggest the possible chemopreventive potency of this widely used food additive by being a bifunctional inducer of detoxication system.