Modulatory influence of alcoholic extract of Ocimum leaves on carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels in mouse

The present study reports the modulatory influence of alcoholic extract from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum on the activities of cytochrome p-450, cytochrome b5, and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase enzymes in the liver and glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione level in the liver, lung, and stomach of the mouse. Oral treatment with the leaf extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg body wt for 15 days would significantly elevate the activities of cytochrome p-450 (p < 0.05), cytochrome b5 (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (p < 0.05), and glutathione S-transferase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), all of which are important in the detoxification of carcinogens as well as mutagens. Moreover treatment with 400 and 800 mg/kg body wt of Ocimum extract for 15 days also significantly elevated extrahepatic glutathione-S-transferase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The reduced glutathione level was also elevated by treatment with the leaf extract in liver, lung, and stomach tissues (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Mice fed a diet containing 0.75% butylated hydroxyanisole (positive control) revealed no alteration in the basal hepatic cytochrome p-450 and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase level, but hepatic cytochrome b5 and glutathione S-transferase activity in hepatic and extrahepatic organs were elevated in a time-responsive manner (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The observations suggest further exploitation of the Ocimum leaf extract or its active principle(s) for the chemoprevention of chemical carcinogenesis in different animal model systems.

Reciprocity in marital and social networks: illustration with Indian data

Three measures of reciprocity, denoted s2, s3, and s4, that are applicable to both simple and weighted networks are considered here. By reciprocity I mean symmetry or mutuality of ties between different vertices of the network. These measures have simple formulas except in some extreme situations and can be used for most networks. Among the three measures, s2 is generally preferred, although the choice in any situation depends on the validity of the assumptions underlying its derivation and its discriminating power. I illustrate how reciprocity in the network of marital exchanges between different surnames and settlements can reveal something about the structure of a population. Reciprocity is higher if the endogamous group is close-knit, is well settled in a smaller geographic area, and has a low surname diversity index. Thus reciprocity is high in the Vadde, somewhat high in the Pattusali, and low in the Yanadi. Although s2, s3, and s4 measure reciprocity in a network as a whole, the local reciprocity index can be used to see how reciprocally a particular vertex is tied to others and can help in the study of the direction of the exchanges. The low local reciprocity indexes of the neighborhood settlements of the Yanadi in some regions indicate that the settlements are involved in one-way marital exchanges with other settlements. The study of reciprocity can be relevant in other contexts also. High reciprocity in a well-settled population was also observed in the social networks of 21 villages with respect to the "help" relation. It was found that reciprocity is highly negatively correlated with the percentage of migrants in the village but does not show high positive or negative correlation with other demographic, socioeconomic, and location characteristics of the villages.

Effect of arecanut, a masticatory, on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes -SH content and lipid peroxidation in lactating mothers and their suckling neonates

The modulation caused by arecanut, a major ingredient of the masticatory substance betel quid, on biotransformation system enzymes, acid soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content and lipid peroxidation was assessed in lactating mice and their neonates. Following parturition, dams were fed a 1% arecanut diet and F1 mice were nursed by their own mothers during the lactation period of 21 days. Arecanut induced significant increases in the levels of cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, glutathione S-transferase and malondialdehyde (MDA) in dams and their pups. However, it decreased the -SH content in lactating mice and F1 progeny; whether the F1 mice were exposed to the translactational dose of arecanut for 21 days or to a similar translactational dose plus a dietary dose of arecanut for additional post weaning period of 21 days, the pattern of changes in the profile of biotransformation system enzymes was essentially similar. The changes elicited by arecanut intake in the levels/activities of enzymes of the biotransformation system, MDA level and -SH content may enhance the susceptibility of neonatal stages of mice to the action of chemical carcinogens.

Modulatory influence of arecanut on antioxidant 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole-induced hepatic detoxification system and antioxidant defence mechanism in mice

This paper assesses the modificatory potential of arecanut (Areca catechu L.), a popular masticatory substance, on 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole (BHA)-induced changes in the hepatic detoxification system and antioxidant defence mechanisms in mice. The modulatory effects on biochemical parameters including glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, acid soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content and microsomal lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were assessed. Mice were fed either a normal diet or diets containing 0.25%, 0.5% or 1% (w/w) arecanut for 45 days. During the last 10 days of treatment the feed was supplemented with 0.5% or 1% BHA. Inclusion of BHA in the diet significantly modulated the detoxification system enzymes, -SH content and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver of the mice. BHA-induced alterations in hepatic GST and -SH content were depressed while cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450 and MDA levels were further elevated by the arecanut treatment.

Modulatory influence of camphor on the activities of hepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and the levels of hepatic and extrahepatic reduced glutathione in mice

The present paper deals with the modulatory influence of camphor on the activities of hepatic phase I and phase II drug metabolising enzymes and the levels of hepatic and extrahepatic reduced glutathione contents in the mouse. Female Swiss albino mice (8-9 weeks old) were treated daily by oral route for 20 days with 50, 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight of camphor dissolved in 0.1 ml of olive oil. Camphor only at the 300 mg/kg body weight dose level caused a significant increase in the activities of cytochrome P450 (P < 0.05), cytochrome b5 (P < 0.05), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (P < 0.05) and glutathione S-transferase (P < 0.05). These modulatory effects were comparable with those induced by 0.75% BHA diet given for 20 days (positive control group). The reduced glutathione level was elevated significantly in liver (P < 0.05) by camphor only at the 300 mg/kg body weight dose level and in liver, lung and stomach (P < 0.05) by BHA.

Modulatory influence of the oral contraceptive pill, Ovral, on 3-methylcholanthrene-induced carcinogenesis in the uterus of mouse

The present study examines the modulatory influence of the combined oral contraceptive pill, Ovral (0.05 mg ethynylestradiol plus 0.25 mg levonorgestrel per pill) on methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced carcinogenesis in the uterus of Swiss albino mouse. Placement of cotton thread impregnated with beeswax containing approximately 600 micrograms of MCA, yielded endometrial squamous cell carcinomas in 53.33% animals in 90 days. Concomitant treatments with doses D1 (1/200th of a pill) and D2 (1/200th of a pill) of Ovral yielded endometrial squamous cell carcinomas in 6.23 and 0% of animals in 90 days (p < 0.05; p < 0.005) respectively. Ovral did not seem to increase the incidence of uterine hyperplasia.

Evaluation of the modifying influence of arecanut on the garlic-modulated hepatic detoxication system enzymes, sulfhydryl content, and lipid peroxidation in mice

This paper evaluates the potential effects of arecanut (Areca catechu, L.), an important ingredient of betel quid, on the garlic (Allium sativum, L.)-modulated activities of hepatic detoxication system enzymes, acid soluble sulfhydryl content, and lipid peroxidation in mice. Mice were fed on either a normal diet or a diet containing 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1% (w/w) arecanut for 45 days. During the last 10 days of treatment oral administration of garlic at the dose level of 20 or 100 mg/kg body weight/day was supplemented. Significant modulation in the activities of phase I and phase II enzymes, -SH content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level by garlic was observed. Garlic-modulated alterations in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and -SH content were decreased, while cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, and MDA levels were further augmented by the arecanut plus garlic treatments.

Peristaltic transport of a biofluid in a pipe of elliptic cross section

Peristaltic transport of two fluids occupying the peripheral layer and the core in an elliptic tube is investigated in elliptic cylindrical co-ordinate system, under long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The effect of peripheral-layer viscosity on the flow rate and the frictional force for a slightly elliptic tube is discussed. The limiting results for the one-fluid model are obtained for different eccentricities of the undisturbed tube cross sections with the same area. As a result of non-uniformity of the peristaltic wave, two different amplitude ratios are defined and the time-averaged flux and mechanical efficiency are studied for different eccentricities. It is observed that the time-averaged flux is not affected significantly by the pressure drop when the eccentricity is large. For the peristaltic waves with same area variation, the pumping seems to improve with the eccentricity.

Chemopreventive action of oriental food-seasoning spices mixture Garam masala on DMBA-induced transplacental and translactational carcinogenesis in mice

The present study deals with the chemopreventive action of the food-seasoning spices mixture Garam masala on dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced translactational and transplacental carcinogenesis in mice. When pregnant mice were given 10 and 30 mg of Garam masala per day from Days 13-19 of gestation in addition to DMBA (5 mg/day) on Days 15-17 of gestation, the multiple-site tumor incidence declined significantly from control level of 62% to 19% and 10%, respectively, in F1 progeny. Furthermore the mean numbers of tumors per effective F1 mouse were reduced from the control value of 1.27 to 0.64 at the lower dose level (10 mg) and 0.23 at the higher dose level (30 mg) of Garam masala. Likewise, when lactating mice were given Garam masala at 10 and 30 mg/day for the first 15 days of lactation in addition to DMBA (3 mg/day) on Days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 of lactation, the multiple-site tumor incidence was reduced significantly from control level of 66% to 23% and 14%, respectively, in F1 progeny. The mean numbers of tumors per effective F1 mouse declined from control value of 1.43 to 0.46 at the lower dose and 0.25 at the higher dose of Garam masala. Further studies are required to analyze the nature of active chemical components and the manner in which they achieve chemoprevention in these complex model systems.

Modulatory influence of arecanut on the mouse hepatic xenobiotic detoxication system and skin papillomagenesis

The modulatory influence of arecanut, a masticatory in several human populations, on the levels of biotransformation system enzymes in mouse liver has been studied. Swiss albino mice of either sex (4 weeks old) were fed on diets containing 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1% arecanut (w/w) for 5 weeks. In addition, a group of mice received a 1% arecanut diet for 36 weeks. The findings revealed a significant increase in hepatic levels of cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The hepatic -SH content was depressed by 0.5% and 1% arecanut diets. Long-term feeding of a 1% arecanut diet elicited changes similar to those seen following treatment for 5 weeks. Arecanut-modulated profiles of biotransformation enzymes and antioxidant levels are suggestive of its influence in the process of carcinogenesis induced by bioactivated electrophilic species of potential chemical carcinogens among habitual arecanut chewers. Arecanut was also tested for its potency either to induce or to alter 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced papillomagenesis in the skin of the mouse. Animals put on a 1% arecanut diet and treated with a standard two-stage protocol for tumor induction developed a 5.41 tumor burden (control value: 5.76) along with 100% incidence of mice bearing papillomas (control value: 94.4%), thus signifying that dietary intake of 1% arecanut for 18 weeks could not induce/alter the mouse skin tumorigenesis pattern.

Chemopreventive action by an extract from Ocimum sanctum on mouse skin papillomagenesis and its enhancement of skin glutathione S-transferase activity and acid soluble sulfydryl level

We report the chemopreventive property of an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum (a traditional medicinal plant) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced skin papillomagenesis in male Swiss albino mice. A significant reduction in the values of tumor incidence, average number of tumors per tumor bearing mice and the cumulative number of papillomas was observed in mice treated topically with the leaf extract of O. sanctum at either the peri-initiational, post-initiational stages or continuously at peri- and post-initiational stages of papillomagenesis as compared to the corresponding control group. Topical application of Ocimum leaf extract for 15 days resulted in significant 2-fold elevation of reduced glutathione content in the skin of mice (p < 0.05). Similarly, glutathione S-transferase activity was also observed to be significantly elevated by 25% compared with the control group (p < 0.05) following Ocimum extract treatment.

Dimerisation of levonorgestrel in solid state ultraviolet light irradiation

UV-irradiation of levonorgestrel (1) in the crystalline state under a nitrogen atmosphere yielded its dimer, [17 alpha[1R-(1 alpha,2 beta,4a beta,4b alpha,10a alpha)]]-13-ethyl-17- [4- (2-ethyl-1,2,3,4a,4b,5,6,7,9,10,10a-dodecahydro-7-oxo-1-phenant renyl)-1- methylen-2-oxo-butoxy]-18,19-dinorpregna-4-en-20-in-3-one(3) , as the principal photoproduct. It was characterized from its spectral and analytical data. The single crystal X-ray crystallographic data of 1 indicated the possibility of its photochemical dimerisation.

Modulatory influence of oral contraceptives on mammary growth pattern of normal and ovariectomised mice

The present study reports the modulatory influence of oral contraceptive formulations, Ovral (0.05 mg ethinylestradiol plus 0.5 mg norgestrel per pill), Noracycline (0.05 mg ethinylestradiol plus 0.1 mg lynestrenol per pill), Pearl (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol plus 0.30 mg norgestrel) and Centchroman (30 mg), on the growth and developmental pattern of murine mammary epithelium in normal as well as ovariectomised mice. Oral treatments of ovariectomised mice for 15 days with doses D1 (1/5th of a pill) and D2 (1/10th of a pill) of Ovral, Noracycline and Pearl enhanced the diameter of the terminal end buds (TEBS) and lateral buds (LBS) significantly. The increase in the diameters of TEBS and LBS on treatment with similar doses of Centchroman were not much significant. Hence, it may be concluded from the present study that the growth and development pattern of mammary epithelium can be modulated by treatment with oral contraceptives Oral, Noracycline, Pearl and Centchroman which is indicated by the increase in the diameters of TEBS and LBS.

Photostability studies of ouabain, alpha-acetyldigoxin and digoxin in solid state

Ouabain, alpha-acetyldigoxin and digoxin were subjected to irradiation using different light sources in crystalline state and their respective yields of photoproducts were determined densitometrically. alpha-Acetyldigoxin was found to be less stable than digoxin yielding a higher percentage of photoproducts under each light source examined. Ouabain showed photostability under the conditions of investigation.

Synthesis of N-heteryl-beta-[(2-alkoxyethyl)oxy]/beta-[[2-(N,N- dialkylamino)ethyl]oxy]acetamides as possible H1-antihistaminics

The synthesis of beta-[2-(alkoxyethyl)oxy]- and beta-[[2-(N,N-dialkylamino)ethyl]oxy]acetamides containing an N-heteryl moiety is reported. Three heteryl systems, 2-phenyl/methyl-3,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinazolin-3- yl, 5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, and 5-alkyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, were employed. Appropriate heterylamines were first converted into their respective chloroacetamides and then reacted with 2-alkoxyethanols/2-(N,N-dialkylamino)ethanols in dry acetone in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate to obtain the title compounds. Ten such new acetamides from each series were synthesized and characterized. Their in vitro antihistaminic activity was determined using the isolated guinea pig ileum method. The IC50 values of the compounds indicated correlations with their structural and electronic features.

Translactational exposure of F1 mouse pups to selenium

In an investigation of the modulation of certain neonatal xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in liver of mouse pups postnatally exposed to selenium through the transmammary route, sodium selenite was administered in drinking water to lactating dams at the dose levels of 1 or 5 ppm from day 1 of lactation and continued daily for 14 or 21 days. The higher dose of selenium was found to increase the hepatic acid-soluble sulfhydryl content significantly after 21 days of treatment in dams, their pups (P < 0.01) and in the 14-day-old male pups (P < 0.05). Cytochrome b5 content decreased in the livers of dams that received 5 ppm selenium (P < 0.01) and in the F1 pups (P < 0.01) translactationally exposed to selenium for 14 days. Cytochrome P-450 content decreased in dams and pups exposed to 5 ppm selenium for 14 days and either dose for 21 days (P < 0.01). Hepatic glutathione S-transferase decreased in the dam that had received 5 ppm selenium for 14 days (P < 0.05) and in the 14-day-old pups (P < 0.01). Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased in both dams and pups (P < 0.01). The overall suppression of neonatal hepatic detoxification enzymes demonstrates that selenium may have far-reaching consequences on neonatal growth, development and drug pharmacokinetics.

Transmammary modulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in liver of mouse pups by mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

The present study examines the possible transfer of the active principle(s) of mace (aril of the plant Myristica fragrans) through the transmammary route and its ability to modulate hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the F1 progeny of mice. An aqueous suspension of mace at the dose levels of 0.025 or 0.1 g/animal/day was administered by oral gavage to dams from day 1 of lactation and continued daily for 14 or 21 days. Dams receiving mace treatment and their F1 pups showed significantly elevated hepatic sulfhydryl content, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities and cytochrome b5 content. Hepatic cytochrome P450 content decreased in dams (P < 0.05) receiving the lower mace dose for 21 days and the F1 pups (P < 0.001), but increased in dams receiving the higher dose for both time periods (P < 0.001) and the lower dose for 14 days (P < 0.05). Only the 14-day-old pups of dams receiving either mace dose showed significantly elevated (P < 0.001) levels of hepatic glutathione peroxidase.

Cancer of the anal canal: treatment with chemotherapy and low-dose radiation therapy

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of a standardized protocol of chemotherapy and low-dose radiation therapy in treatment of patients with anal canal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two consecutive patients with anal canal cancer were treated with 15 fractions of 30-Gy photon beam radiation therapy administered anteroposterior-posteroanterior in conjunction with chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C. Survival analysis was performed with the lifetest procedure.

RESULTS

In patients with stage T1 and T2 tumors, 26 of 29 (90%) were free of disease after chemotherapy and radiation therapy and had no recurrent tumors. In patients with stage T3 and T4 tumors, five of 13 (38%) were free of disease after therapy and had no recurrences.

CONCLUSION

This therapy is effective for epidermoid cancers of the anal canal that are smaller than 5 cm regardless of nodal status. Tumors larger than this or that invade adjacent structures are not adequately controlled with this protocol.

Influence of certain essential oils on carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes and acid-soluble sulfhydryls in mouse liver

The influence of essential oils from naturally occurring plant dietary items such as cardamom, celery seed, cumin seed, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, and zanthoxylum on the activities of hepatic carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, and glutathione S-transferase) and acid-soluble sulfhydryl level was investigated in Swiss albino mice. Each oil was fed by gavage at 10 microliters/day for 14 days, and then the animals were sacrificed and their hepatic enzyme activities and sulfhydryl levels were evaluated. Only nutmeg and zanthoxylum oils induced cytochrome P450 level significantly (p < 0.05), whereas cardamom oil caused a significant reduction in its activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was significantly elevated only by treatment with ginger oil (p < 0.01), whereas nutmeg oil caused a significant reduction in its activity (p < 0.01). The remaining oils did not significantly alter the level of cytochrome P450 and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. Glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly elevated in all experimental groups (p < 0.1-p < 0.001) compared with controls. The acid-soluble sulfhydryl was significantly elevated only by the essential oils of cardamom (p < 0.05), nutmeg (p < 0.05), and zanthoxylum (p < 0.01). Our observations suggest that intake of essential oils affects the host enzymes associated with activation and detoxication of xenobiotic compounds, including chemical carcinogens and mutagens.

Modulatory effects of essential oils from spices on the formation of DNA adduct by aflatoxin B1 in vitro

Essential oils from common spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, celery, xanthoxylum, black pepper, cumin, and coriander were tested for their ability to suppress the formation of DNA adducts by aflatoxin B1 in vitro in a microsomal enzyme-mediated reaction. All oils were found to inhibit adduct formation very significantly and in a dose-dependent manner. The adduct formation appeared to be modulated through the action on microsomal enzymes, because an effective inhibition on the formation of activated metabolite was observed with each oil. The enzymatic modulation is perhaps due to the chemical constituents of the oils, and this could form a basis for their potential anticarcinogenic roles.

Modulation of hepatic glutathione system of enzymes in suckling mouse pups exposed translactationally to malathion

The present study examines the transmammary modulation of the glutathione system of enzymes in the F1 generation of mouse pups postnatally exposed to malathion. Lactating Swiss albino mice received either 30 or 100 mg malathion kg-1 body wt. (98% pure) for 14 or 21 days postpartum. The acid-soluble sulphydryl content was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the liver of 14-day-old pups of dams that had received the higher malathion dose. A similar significant increase was seen in the 21-day-old male pups of dams that had received 30 mg (P < 0.05) or 100 mg (P < 0.01) malathion kg-1 body wt. Dams showed an enhanced hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity following treatment with 100 mg malathion kg-1 body wt. for 14 days (P < 0.02) and 21 days (P < 0.001). Pups of either age groups also showed enhanced hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity (P < 0.001). A significant enhancement in glutathione reductase activity was observed with malathion treatment in livers of dams and pups (P < 0.001). However, dams that had received 30 mg malathion kg-1 body wt. daily for 21 days or 100 mg malathion kg-1 body wt. for either 14 or 21 days showed significantly reduced hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). A significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity was also observed in the liver of the 21-day-old male (P < 0.01) and female (P < 0.02) pups of dams that were treated with the higher dose of malathion.

An evaluation of the efficacy of postoperative irradiation in rectal adenocarcinoma

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. Although surgery is the primary treatment for rectal cancer, the overall 5-year survival approximates 50%. Pelvic failure rates and their associated morbidity have led to the use of postoperative irradiation, either alone or combined with chemotherapy. We reviewed 77 consecutive patients treated with postoperative irradiation to the pelvis following curative surgery. The prognosis is dependent on surgical stage and histologic grade. The minimal decrease in local recurrence in this study is offset by treatment-related small bowel injury. A subset of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment is yet to be defined.

Influence of ascorbic acid on MCA-induced carcinogenesis in the uterine cervix of mice

The present study evaluates the possible modulatory influence of ascorbic acid (AA) on (methylcholanthrene) MCA-induced cervical carcinogenesis in mice. Ascorbic acid was given daily for different durations in drinking water at the dose level of 2 mg/ml. In animals that received no modulator, placement of cotton threads impregnated with beeswax containing -600 micrograms of MCA for 16 weeks yielded 76.1% carcinomas in the uterine cervix. Administration of AA for the entire period of 16 weeks resulted in the reduction of MCA-induced cervical carcinomas to 33.3%. AA was capable of reducing cervical cancer incidence to 33.3% even when it was given for only 6 weeks following MCA-thread insertion into the uterine cervix. However, when it was given for a period of 10 weeks after 6 weeks of MCA-thread insertion the carcinoma incidence was as high as 66.6%. Results of the present study demonstrate that AA, especially when given during the initiational phase, significantly inhibits MCA-induced cervical carcinogenesis in mice.

Effect of arecanut on the black mustard (Brassica niger, L.)-modulated detoxication enzymes and sulfhydryl content in the liver of mice

The modulatory potential of arecanut, a popular masticatory, was assessed on the black mustard-induced changes in hepatic detoxication system in mice. The modulatory effect was assessed on glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome b5 (Cyt. b5) and cytochrome P-450 (Cyt. P-450) and acid-soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content. Mice were fed on either normal diet or diet containing 0.25%, 0.5% or 1% (w/w) arecanut for 45 days. During the last 10 days of treatment the feed was supplemented with 0.5% or 1% black mustard, the popular condiment. Dietary feeding of mustard could significantly enhance the studied phase I and phase II enzymes as well as -SH content in murine liver. However, black mustard-induced alterations in GST and -SH content were lower, while Cyt. b5 and Cyt. P-450 levels were much higher in mice receiving arecanut treatment than controls.