Exposure to ionizing radiation results in the generation of reactive intermediate species such as cation radicals, anion radicals, and free radicals that can induce DNA damage. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin (EC) are natural radiation-protective agents. The radiation protection effects of EGCG and EC against γ-ray and helium ion irradiation were studied using plasmid pUC118 and wild-type yeast. The percentage of strand breaks of pUC118 in the presence or absence of EGCG or EC were evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and the protective effects of EGCG in yeast cells exposed to radiation were assessed by the survival ratio. The percentage of non-damaged plasmid DNA after irradiation increased in the presence of both EGCG and EC, indicating that these compounds can reduce DNA damage induced by γ-ray and helium ion irradiation. Our results show that EGCG and EC may provide effective protection against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
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