Protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) on micronucleus formation induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in mammalian cells, in in vitro assays and in vivo

The results of this study clearly demonstrate a protective action of EA with respect to MNNG-induced micronuclei and cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. The lack of effect in the post-treatment in in vitro experiments excludes a possible effect of EA on DNA-repair systems. On the other hand, consumption of EA can have a protective action against primary DNA damage induced by oxidative stress.