Review of the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Therapeutic Option for Ionizing Radiation Induced Damage

Abstract

Ionizing radiation damage refers to acute, delayed, or chronic tissue damage associated with ionizing radiation. Specific or effective therapeutic options for systemic injuries induced by ionizing radiation have not been developed. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal Medicine or Chinese Herbal Prescription exhibit preventive properties against radiation damage. These medicines inhibit tissue injuries and promote repair with very minimal side effects. This study reviews traditional Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions with radiation protective effects as well as their mechanisms of action. The information obtained will guide the development of alternative radioprotectants.

Utility of melatonin in mitigating ionizing radiation-induced testis injury through synergistic interdependence of its biological properties

“…Till now, testicular injury after IR exposure has no specific or effective modalities [ 9 ]. Studies showed that antioxidants exhibited therapy for radiation damage based on radiation-induced oxidative stress.…”

Lycium barbarum Ameliorates Neural Damage Induced by Experimental Ischemic Stroke and Radiation Exposure

“…Therefore, it is urgent to develop radioprotective drugs with low side effects. Many Traditional Chinese Medicine can improve radiationinduced damage [155]. The neuroprotective effect of LBP has been reported in both in vivo and in-vitro models [43].…”

Development of radiation countermeasure agents for acute radiation syndromes

“…These free radicals cause approximately 70% of the IR-induced injuries and lead to a constant state of oxidative stress in the organism. 16,17,20 Oxidative damage is the main mechanism underlying the sustained injury induced by IR exposure. 18 Cellular damage is accompanied by the induction of inflammatory responses, increased immunoreactivity, and the activation of other signaling pathways that ultimately cause apoptosis and other forms of cell death, while accelerating cellular senescence.…”

“…Some Chinese herbal prescriptions and medicines exhibit properties that could prevent against radiation injury with minimal side effects by promoting tissue recovery and inhibiting tissue damage. 20 Chinese herbal prescriptions contain active ingredients capable of preventing free-radical damage, mitigating DNA damage, decreasing apoptosis, and stimulating repair mechanisms after tissue injury. Many traditional Chinese medicines have been found to significantly decrease the mortality rate of mice exposed to TBI at lethal doses.…”

“…In addition, IR produces nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage intracellular macromolecules. These free radicals cause approximately 70% of the IR‐induced injuries and lead to a constant state of oxidative stress in the organism 16,17,20 . Oxidative damage is the main mechanism underlying the sustained injury induced by IR exposure 18 .…”