From Wikipedia - Reading time: 2 minA comutagen is a substance that is not a mutagen by itself, but in the presence of a mutagen, enhances mutagenic activity.[1] There are at least two manners by which this may occur; the comutagen may strengthen the mutagenic activity of mutagenic chemicals, or it can create a mutagenic response from nonmutagens.[2] Chemicals such as harmane and norharmane (present in tobacco tar) have been identified as comutagens.[3]
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Modifiers of mutagenicity can be either comutagens or antimutagens. Comutagens are substances that enhance the mutagenic activity of a chemical even though it is not in itself mutagenic.
Norharman and harman interfere with the metabolism of many mutagens/carcinogens, enhancing or depressing their mutagenicities. When norharman increases mutagenicity, its action can be called "comutagenic."