Detoxifier

The present paper assesses the modifying potential of black pepper on the hepatic biotransformation system in mice. The modulatory effect was assessed on glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome b5 (cyt. b5), cytochrome P-450 (cyt. P-450), acid-soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Swiss albino mice of either sex (eight weeks old) were fed on a diet containing 0.5%, 1% and 2% black pepper (w/w) for 10 and 20 days. The findings revealed a significant and dose-dependent increase in GST and -SH content in the experimental groups except the one maintained on 0.5% black pepper diet for 10 days. Elevated levels of cyt. b5 and cyt. P-450 were also statistically significant and dose-dependent. The level of MDA was lowered in the group fed on 2% black pepper diet for 20 days. Being a potential inducer of detoxication system, the possible chemopreventive role of black pepper in chemical carcinogenesis is suggested.