Protection against γ ray-induced damage using herbal formulas

Abstract

Two herbal formulas were prepared by combining extracts from Angelica sinensis, Cistanche deserticola, Paeonia lactiflora pall, Fructus sophorae, and Astragalus and assessed for radioprotective efficacy. Fifty-six healthy C57BL/6J mice were γ irradiated at a dose of 4 Gy to establish a radiation injury model. These mice were randomly divided into four groups with equal numbers of males and females: a radiated vehicle control group, a commercial radioprotective extract control group (Hemo-1#), and two experimental groups (Exp-2# and Exp-3#). The vehicle control group was administered an equal volume of distilled water. The other groups were administered different herbal formulas. Body weight and conventional indicators of peripheral blood homeostasis were recorded before and after irradiation. On the first day after irradiation, mice fed herbal extracts experienced a smaller decrease in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts than untreated mice. At 7 days after irradiation, mouse leukocyte, erythrocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts displayed slow recovery. The two groups receiving different herbal formulas showed a similar radioprotective effect on body weight and peripheral blood test results than the Hemo-1# group. Our experimental herbal formulas showed radioprotective effects against γ ray-induced damage.

Keywords

• herbal formulas
• ionizing radiation damage
• radioprotection
• hematopoietic function
• mice