Combined effects of curcumin and piperine in ameliorating benzo(a)pyrene induced DNA damage

The present study was planned to investigate the antigenotoxic effects of curcumin and piperine separately and in combination against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induced DNA damage in lungs and livers of mice. Male Swiss albino mice received curcumin (100 mg kg−1 body weight) and piperine (20 mg kg−1 body weight) separately as well as in combination orally in corn oil for 7 days as pretreatments and subsequently, 2 h after, BaP was administered orally in corn oil (125 mg kg−1 body weight). A single dose of BaP to normal mice increased the level of 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) content and % DNA in the comet tail in the lungs and liver. Pretreatments of curcumin and curcumin plus piperine before administration of single dose of BaP significantly decreased the levels of 8-oxo-dG content and % DNA in the comet tail in both the tissues. Moreover, the genoprotective potential of curcumin plus piperine was significantly higher as compared to curcumin alone against BaP induced DNA damage.

► Genoprotective potential of curcumin alone and in combination with piperine was investigated. ► Curcumin is effective in attenuating benzo(a)pyrene induced DNA damage. ► Piperine with curcumin increases the effectiveness of curcumin in mitigating benzo(a)pyrene induced genotoxicity.