Genotoxicity and Antigenotoxicity studies in Drosophila melanogaster

The extensive knowledge of the genetics of Drosophila melanogaster and the long experimental experience with this organism has made it of unique usefulness in mutation research and genetic toxicology. Emblica officinalis, commonly known as amla, is a rich dietary source of vitamin C, minerals, amino acids, and also contains various phenolic compounds. Piperine (the trans-trans stereoisomer of 1-piperoyl piperidine) is the major pungent ingredient, active principle and also the principal alkaloid present in the dry black peppercorns, Piper nigrum. Benzaldehyde was selected as the drug to induce mutation in Drosophila in the present study. Ethanolic Extracts of Emblica officinalis and Piper nigrum were selected as the herbal drugs as antigenotoxic or antimutagenic agents, against the genotoxic effect of benzaldehyde.