Herbal Approach towards SCE's

Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCE's) are exchange of genetic material that usually happen between two sister chromatids. 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 of the cytogenetic abnormalities and cancers.

A herb is a plant with a non woody stem which 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, asthama, mental disorders, metabolic disorders, menstrual problems etc. They have led scientists to develop numerous modern drugs as well.

Herbal Remedies:

1. Epigallocatechingallate: In some studies, SCE’s were induced using Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and effect of certain polyphenols on SCE’s was observed. The major polyphenol constituents of green tea such as Epigallocatechingallate (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 positive effect. Several studies have demonstrated that EGCG leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of certain cancer cells. 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) they 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 Asteraceae family. Different medical and pharmacological research studies have shown positive results of chamomile oil in treatment of inflammations. Compounds present in chamomile oil having medicinal properties include bisabolol and its oxide, chamazulene, farnecene, germacrine and sesquisterpenes. 

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 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 marvellous herbs can improvise our health. Thus herbs have preventive as well as curative properties.