Inhibition of sister chromatid exchanges using green tea and chamomile

 Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCE's) are an exchange of genetic material that usually happens between two sister chromatids. An excess number of SCE's detected per cell indicate cellular damage and cancer. It also indicates mutagenic effects in the cells. They are generally detected in many cytogenetic abnormalities and cancers.

A herb is a plant with a non-woody stem that withers and dies down after flowering. Herbs have been used since ancient times and have been known to have tremendous healing properties. There are many herbal remedies for abdominal pains, acidity, acne, arthritis, asthma, mental disorders, metabolic disorders, menstrual problems, etc. They have led scientists to develop numerous modern drugs as well.

Image: Green tea extract

Herbal Remedies:

1. Epigallocatechin-gallate: In some studies, SCE’s were induced using Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and the effect of certain polyphenols on SCE’s was observed. The major polyphenol constituents of green tea such as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) AND Catechin (CT) were found to reduce the frequency of SCE induced by NOx. These polyphenols are scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and show a positive effect. Several studies have demonstrated that EGCG leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of certain cancer cells. The chemoprotective effect of EGCG was studied by researchers in Korea. They examined SCE frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes of cigarette smokers and found elevated levels of SCE’s among smokers. But those smokers who consumed green tea infusion daily (2-3 cups per day) showed lower rates of SCE’s as compared to smokers who did not consume green tea.

2. Chamomile: Chamomile is the common name for Matricaria chamomilla several daisies like plants of the Asteraceae family. Different medical and pharmacological research studies have shown positive results of chamomile oil in the treatment of inflammations. Compounds present in chamomile oil having medicinal properties include bisabolol and its oxide, chamazulene, farnesene, germacrine, and sesquiterpenes. The chamomile essential oils have been shown to exhibit an inhibitory effect on the sister chromatid exchanges. The chamomile also exhibits an anti-mutagenic effect. Mutagenesis is a phenomenon in which an organism's DNA changes slightly due to mutation. 

Thus, in conclusion, we can say that medicinal plants have many phytochemical components which not only show their healing effect at the tissue or organ level but also at the chromosome level. Hence they can be used as preventive medicines without any post medication effects. Green tea and chamomile have shown their inhibitory effect on SCE’s (which are responsible for carcinogenesis). Prior consumption of such marvelous herbs can improvise our health. Thus herbs have preventive as well as curative properties.
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