In vivo anticlastogenic effects of L-ascorbic acid in mice.

The effects of l-ascorbic acid on the frequency of micronuclei induced by model mutagens, cyclophosphamide (CP), mitomycin-C (MMC) and bleomycin (BLM) hydrochloride were tested using mouse bone marrow. Three doses of ascorbic acid (AsA) viz., 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg b.w. were tested for anticlastogenic effects. The doses of positive mutagens used were, CP-50 mg/kg, MMC-4 mg/kg and BLM-20 mg/kg b.w. Bone marrow sampling was done at 24 h after the treatment. AsA was found to be effective in reducing MN frequency induced by CP and BLM. With MMC only, the highest dose showed a slight inhibitory effect.