Antagonistic activity of herbal drug (Phyllanthus emblica) on cytological effects of environmental chemicals on mammalian cells.

Abstract
Phyllanthus emblica Linn., a rich source of vitamin C, has been shown to reduce the clastogenic and mitostatic activities of different known mutagens. It reduces the chromosomal abnormalities induced by metanil yellow and zinc chloride. Further, it antagonises both the spindle disturbance and chromosomal abnormalities caused by ethyl parathion. The antagonistic action of the extract is greater than the dose of synthetic vitamin C equivalent in amount of vitamin C present in the extract. This is presumably due to the presence of the other natural ingredients in the herbal extract.