Evaluation and optimization of radioprotective activity of Coronopus didymus Linn. in γ-irradiated mice

Purpose: To evaluate and optimize the radioprotective ability of the most potent fraction of an aqueous extract of Coronopus didymus in whole body γ-irradiated Swiss albino mice and to evaluate the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation of the livers of the surviving mice. To correlate the free radical scavenging studies with in vivo radioprotection ability.Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice were treated with either vehicle or the different doses of extract/fraction suspension by an i.p. route, 30 min before exposure to 10 Gy γ-irradiation and the animals were monitored twice daily for any signs of radiation toxicity and mortality. Radiation dose response (7 – 11 Gy), optimization of route, time of drug administration and evaluation of dose response factor (DRF) at the best dose of the fraction was studied. Endogenous antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation of the livers of the mice surviving on the 31st day was evaluated by using spectrophotometric methods.Results: The most active free radical...