Protective effect of an extract of Phyllanthus amarus against radiation-induced damage in mice

The radioprotective effect of an extract of the plant Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) was investigated in adult BALB/c mice. P. amarus extract (750 mg/kg b.wt and 250 mg/kg b.wt) was administered orally to mice for five days prior to whole body radiation (6 Gy) and for one month after radiation. The animals were sacrificed on days 3, 9, 12, and 30 after radiation. P. amarus significantly increased the total white blood cell (W.B.C) count, bone marrow cellularity, and α-esterase activity as compared to untreated radiation-exposed animals. P. amarus treatment also increased the activity of various antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR), both in blood and tissue, which were reduced by radiation treatment. There was also a significant increase in the glutathione (GSH) levels of blood and tissue. Lipid peroxidation levels, which were increased after radiation, were significantly reduced by P. amarus treatment, both in serum and liver. The results collectively indicate that P. amarus extract could increase the antioxidant defense mechanism in mice and there by protect the animals from radiation-induced cellular damage. (author)