Protective Effect of Adhatoda Vasica Extract on Gamma Radiation Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice Biceps Muscle

In the era of expanding energy program all over the world, the role of radiation biology has acquired greater relevance and significance in addressing the health issues. In present time, nuclear terrorism and weapons related effects are raising much alarm and concern to public health. Radiation is often used to treat malignant tumours, or in combination with surgery. Ionizing radiation is known to produce deleterious effects on living organisms. Despite the advantage of radiotherapy and improvements in techniques, many patients experience moderate to severe side effects including xerostomia, diarrhea, mucositis, dermatitis, ulceration and fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radical (OH), superoxide anion radicals (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were produced as a response to ionizing radiation Mammalian cells are equipped with both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms to minimize cellular damage resulting from interaction between cellular constituents and ROS. Under normal conditions, a delicate balance exists between the generation of ROS and the cellular antioxidant systems. Over production of ROS in both intra and extra-cellular spaces upon exposure of cells to ionizing radiation results in oxidative stress due to the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and lipid peroxidation) in biceps muscle of mice. Mice were divided into 4 groups. Study was performed at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days stage. Present study convincingly demonstrated that Adhatoda extract provides protection against free radical damage.