Whole-Body Radioprotective Effects of SBL-1: A Preparation From Leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides

The radioprotective effects of Hippophae rhamnoides (common name, sea buckthorn) leaf extract, designated SBL-1, were investigated in Swiss Albino strain ‘A’ mice. Against 100% mortality in whole-body irradiated (60Co-gamma-rays, 10 Gy) controls, a single dose of the SBL-1 rendered >90% survivors when administered 30 min before irradiation and 90% to 80% survivors when administered 1 to 4 h before irradiation. SBL-1 activated proliferation of hemopoietic stem cells countered a radiation-induced decrease in total thiols and an increase in free radicals in plasma and liver; inhibited lipid peroxidation, and normalized the liver alkaline phosphatase activity. This study demonstrated high radioprotective potential of H. rhamnoides leaves.