DNA-BINDING and DNA-protecting activities of small natural organic molecules and food extracts

The review summarizes literature data on the DNA-binding, DNA-protecting and DNA-damaging activities of a range of natural human endogenous and exogenous compounds. Small natural organic molecules bind DNA in a site-specific mode, by arranging tight touch with the structure of the major and minor grooves, as well as individual bases in the local duplex DNA. Polyphenols are the best-studied exogenous compounds from this point of view. Many of them demonstrate hormetic effects, producing both beneficial and damaging effects. An attempt to establish the dependence of DNA damage or DNA protection on the concentration of the compound turned out to be successful for some polyphenols, daidzein, ge…