Cellular and Molecular Biology
: Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of curcumin and sunset yellow were tested by the chromosome aberration analysis and cytokinesis-block micronu - cleus cytome assay in human lymphocyte culture. Water solutions of food dyes, in concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 8 mM, were added to the cultures at the beginning of the cultivation period. Concentrations of 4 and 8 mM of sunset yellow induced significant increase in frequencies of cells with chromosome aberrations. Tested concentrations of sunset yellow significantly associated with frequencies of structural aberrations, chromatid-type aberrations, total aberrant cells and micronuclei showing considerable dose dependent clastogenic activity. In higher analyzed concentrations, curcumin significantly increased only nuclear buds frequency, sug - gesting its potential genotoxicity, while sunset yellow showed dose-dependent genotoxic potential. Obtained results point toward favorization of natural coloring agents in food consumption and emphasize the need of controlled use of food colorants