Mentha piperita (Linn) leaf extract provides protection against radiation induced alterations in intestinal mucosa of Swiss albino mice.
Intestinal protection in mice against radiation injury by M. piperita (1 g/kg body weight/day) was studied from day 1 to day 20 after whole body gamma irradiation (8 Gy). Villus height, goblet cells/villus section, total cells, mitotic cells and dead cells/crypt section in the jejunum are good parameters for the assessment of radiation damage. There was significant decrease in the villus height, number of total cells and mitotic cells/crypt section, whereas goblet cells and dead cells showed significant increase after irradiation. Mentha pretreatment resulted in a significant increase in villus height, total cells and mitotic cells, whereas goblet cells and dead cells showed a significant decrease from respective irradiated controls at each autopsy day. The results suggest that Mentha pretreatment provides protection against radiation induced alterations in intestinal mucosa of Swiss albino mice.
D000818:Animals; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005720:Gamma Rays; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D036142:Mentha piperita; D051379:Mice; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents