ABSTRACT

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) represent a class of organic compounds, having two or more bonded benzene rings in one of the three forms: linear, angular or cluster arrangements. They have an interesting characteristic: they bond with hydrogen atoms and forms aromatic rings similar to graphite. Even if PAHs are not chemically synthesized for industrial applications, they can be used as intermediaries in thermosetting plastics, photographic products, lubricating materials, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products. PAHs are considered an important group of chemical carcinogens. Ellagic acid may have an important role in cell cycle regulation in cancer cells due to its strong antioxidant activity and can inhibit the benzo[a]pyrene CYP1A1-dependent activation with reducing the O6-methylguanine by methylating carcinogens. Apart from their high toxicity and carcinogenic effects, PAHs are also known as a class of pollutants, their environmental persistence representing a major concern.