An extract of Phyllanthus amarus protects mouse chromosomes and intestine from radiation induced damages.
We reported earlier on our preliminary study of the radioprotective effect of Phyllanthus amarus (P.amarus) in mice. P.amarus was found to inhibit the myelosuppression and elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the blood and liver. In the present study we have evaluated the protective effect of P.amarus against radiation-induced changes in the intestine and mouse chromosomal damage. P.amarus at concentrations of 250 & 750 mg/Kg. b. wt were found to elevate the antioxidant enzymes in the intestine and decrease the lipid peroxidation levels. Histopathological evaluations of the intestine revealed decreased damage to intestinal cells, demonstrating that P.amarus protected the intestine. The genotoxic effects of radiation on mouse chromosomes were evaluated by assaying the micronuclei formation and chromosomal aberrations. P.amarus was found to protect the clastogenic effects of radiation as seen from decreased number of micronuclei. The administration of P.amarus was also found to decrease the percentage of chromosomal aberrations. Based on our present and previous reports it could be concluded that P.amarus extract has significant radioprotective activity.
Harikumar
Kuzhuvelil Bhaskaran Nair
KB
Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, India.
Kuttan
Ramadasan
R
D000818:Animals; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D029803:Phyllanthus / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects
D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents