Antimutagenic effects of Prunus mahaleb L. fruit extract

Prunus mahaleb L. is a rootstock used for sweet cherry crop in Apulia (Italy), an important cherry producing and exporting Italian Region. The hydro-alcoholic extract of P. mahaleb fruits has been analyzed for anthocyanin content and antimutagenic activity. HPLC/DAD/MS analysis indicated that 'Mahaleb' cherry fruit is extremely rich in anthocyanins (1751 mg/100 g D.W, more than 500 mg /100g F.W.), more than sweet and sour cherries. Moreover the protective effect of P. mahaleb was investigated by using D7 strain of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Results showed that treatments with P. mahaleb fruit extract decreased significantly the mutagenesis induced by hydrogen peroxide in S.cerevisiae.