Modulation of genotoxicity and DNA repair by plant monoterpenes camphor, eucalyptol and thujone in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells

► Monoterpenes reduce UV/4NQO mutagenesis in NER+, but not in NER− strain of Escherichia coli. ► Monoterpenes increase recombination and affect UV-induced SOS response. ► High doses of monoterpenes induce genotoxic effect in mammalian cells. ► Low doses of monoterpenes are antigenotoxic against 4NQO in mammalian cells. ► Low doses of monoterpenes stimulate DNA repair and act as bioantimutagens.