Utilization of cytogenetic biomarkers as a tool for assessment of radiation injury and evaluation of radiomodulatory effects of various medicinal plants – a review

Abstract

Systematic biological measurement of “cytogenetic endpoints” has helped phenomenally in assessment of risks associated with radiation exposure. There has been a surge in recent times for the usage of radioactive materials in health care, agriculture, industrial, and nuclear power sectors. The likelihood of radiation exposure from accidental or occupational means is always higher in an overburdened ecosystem that is continuously challenged to meet the population demands. Risks associated with radiation exposure in this era of modern industrial growth are minimal as international regulations for maintaining the safety standards are stringent and strictly adhered to, however, a recent disaster like “Fukushima” impels us to think beyond. The major objective of radiobiology is the development of an orally effective radio-modifier that provides protection from radiation exposure. Once available for mass usage, these compounds will not only be useful for providing selective protection against accidental and occupational radiation exposure but also help to permit use of higher doses of radiation during treatment of various malignancies curtailing unwarranted adverse effects imposed on normal tissues. Bio-active compounds isolated from natural sources enriched with antioxidants possess unique immune-modulating properties, thus providing a double edged benefit over synthetic radioprotectors. We aim to provide here a comprehensive overview of the various agents originating from plant sources that portrayed promising radioprotection in various experimental models with special emphasis on studies that used cytogenetic biomarkers. The agents will include crude extracts of various medicinal plants, purified fractions, and herbal preparations.

Synergetic role of senna and fennel extracts as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic agents in irradiated human blood lymphocyte cultures

“…In conclusion, previous studies on calcium sennosides, as a radioprotector, reported the amelioration of biochemical, immunological, and cytogenetic measurements after radiation exposure with limited percent (Ahmed et al, 2018;Jothi et al, 2015;Samarath, Samarathm, & Matsumoto, 2015;Shanmugasundaram et al, 2011;Yen & Chuang, 2000). Whereas the present study proofed that the synergetic effect of calcium sennosides with fennel seed extract showed a high improvement in all measurements.…”

Efficiency of Kumquat Fruit (Fortunella margarita) Extract against Hepatotoxicity and Infertility Induced by Gamma Irradiation in Male Albino Rats

“…Plant parts such as fruits, roots, stem/bark, leaves, and medicinal herbs have been found to have antioxidant capacity due to the presence of phenolic compounds, vitamins, nitrogen compounds, terpenoids, and other metabolites. These compounds have been shown to possess antioxidant, immunostimulatory, and antimicrobial activity and to impart radioprotective effects (Samarth et al, 2015). Therefore, it has been found that F. margarita is a rich resource of bioactive compounds enriched with antioxidants more effective than those of citrus species (Tan et al, 2014).…”

Radioprotection and Radiomitigation: From the Bench to Clinical Practice

“…Ionizing radiation causes structural chromosome aberrations. Thus, the systematic measurement of cytogenetic endpoints helps in the assessment of risks linked to radiation exposure [313]. The mechanism of damage is not yet fully explored.…”