A Review on Potential Antimutagenic Plants of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Mutagenic complications can cause disease in both present as well as future generations. The disorders are caused by exogenous and endogenous agents that damage DNA beyond the normal repair mechanism. Rapid industrialization and the population explosion have contributed immensely to changes in the environment, leading to unavoidable exposure to mutagens in our daily life. As it is impossible to prevent exposure, one of the better approaches is to increase the intake of anti-mutagenic substances derived from natural resources. This review summarizes some of the important plants in Saudi Arabia that might have the potential to exhibit anti-mutagenic activity. The data for the review were retrieved from Google scholar, NCBI, PUBMED, EMBASE and the Web of Science. The information in the study has importance since one of the major reasons for mutation is viral infection. Considering the pandemic situation due to novel coronavirus and its aftermath, the native plants of Saudi Arabia could become an important source for reducing mutagenic complications associated with exogenous agents, including viruses.

Keywords

• mutation
• antioxidants
• antimutagenesis
• medicinal plants
• Saudi Arabia