Radioprotective effects of ocimum flavonoids on leukocyte oxidants and antioxidants in oral cancer

Oxidants (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase) and antioxidants (GSH, GSH peroxidase, SOD and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, that provides NADPH for antioxidants) were assayed in the neutrophils from oral cancer patients, in three stages viz, baseline samples, 15 days after radiation and 30 days following radiation. These samples were obtained from 2 groups of patients. Group A that received radiation alone and Group B that received radiation and ocimum flavonoids, a radioprotector. The results showed a significant fall in the SOD levels in the second follow up of group B. Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase showed significant increase only in the first follow up of patients who received Ocimum flavonoids. Except for these findings all other parameters remained statistically nonsignificant. (author)