In vivo radioprotection with garlic extract.
Garlic extract was evaluated in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test for its possible protective effects against gamma-radiation-induced chromosomal damage. Together with this, biochemical assays were carried out to determine the changes in sulfhydryl content and glutathione S-transferase activities. Three doses of freshly prepared garlic extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered for 5 consecutive days, and the animals were irradiated 2 h after the final feeding. The results of the micronucleus test demonstrated that pre-treatment with garlic extract can lead to significant dose-related reductions in the frequencies of gamma-radiation-induced (2 Gy) micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. The anticlastogenic effect of garlic extract was observed against lower radiation doses of 0.5 and 1 Gy, but not 0.25 Gy. Significant increases in the sulfhydryl content and glutathione S-transferase activity were observed after either pre-treatment with garlic extract or irradiation. However, the irradiated garlic-extract pre-treated animals showed a significant reduction in sulfhydryl content and glutathione S-transferase activities.
Singh
S P
SP
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Abraham
S K
SK
Kesavan
P C
PC
D000818:Animals; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005720:Gamma Rays; D005737:Garlic; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000378:metabolism
D016587:Antimutagenic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D005982:Glutathione Transferase