Anti-clastogenic potential of carnosic acid against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced clastogenesis.

Carnosic acid, a primary phenolic compound found in the leaves of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), has diverse pharmacological and biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-clastogenic effect of carnosic acid in DMBA-induced clastogenesis. The frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), chromosomal aberrations (cytogenetic end points), the status of Phase I and II detoxification enzymes, lipid peroxidation by-products and antioxidants (biochemical endpoints) were analyzed to assess the anti-clastogenic effect of carnosic acid in DMBA-induced clastogenesis. Oral pretreatment of carnosic acid for five days to DMBA-treated hamsters significantly protected DMBA-induced clastogenesis as well as biochemical abnormalities. Although the exact mechanism of anti-clastogenic effects of carnosic acid is unclear, the antioxidant potential and effect on modulation of Phase I and II detoxification enzymes could play a possible role.