Caralluma adscendens Roxb. is a thick, succulent perennial herb growing natural in dry hills areas. It belongs to family Asclepiadaceae and locally known as “Kalli Mulaiyan”. The species of Caralluma found in India are edible and form part of the traditional medicine structure of the country. The herb contains Saponin glycosides, Flavonoids, Megastigmane glycosides, sitosterols and bitter principles. In addition Caralluma species are usually used in treatment of rheumatism, diabetes, leprosy, antipyretic and antihelmintic, for tumor, fungal diseases, snake, scorpion bite and antinociceptive activity. Ames Salmonella histidine reversion assay was used in the current exploration to evaluate antimutagenic activity of ethanolic extract of Caralluma adscendens Roxb. in TA 1535, TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium using direct (Sodium azide, Ethidium bromide, Hydroxyl amine) acting mutagens. Results of the study showed significant antimutagenicity against all the mutagens in TA 1535, TA98 and TA100 tester strains. The antimutagenicity of the extract observed in the present study implies chemopreventive pharmacological importance of Caralluma adscendens Roxb and encourages its use as a functional food.
