Protective Effect of Rhoifolin on Gamma Irradiation Induced Cardiac Dysfunctions in Albino Mice

Rhoifolin (apigenin 7 neohesperidoside) is a flavone glycoside, a natural product belonging to the flavonoid. This study aimed to estimate the optimum dose level of rhoifolin against the lethality of 10 Gy irradiation dose in mice. Also, to evaluate the modulator effect of rhoifolin against 10 Gy irradiation induced certain haematological and cardiac biochemical abnormalities. Six groups of mice (n =15) were used. The 1st group subjected to a single dose (10 Gy) irradiation and used as control. The other five groups administered different doses of rhoifolin (12, 24, 30, 36, and 40 mg/kg) po for 7 consecutive days pre irradiation (10 gray). The optimum dose of rhoifolin against radiation induced mortality and body weight loss was evaluated and found to be 36 mg/kg body weight. Further, rhoifolin was administered to mice 36 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days pre-irradiation (10 Gy). Mice were sacrificed 24 hours post irradiation; the effect of rhoifolin against irradiation induced certain haematological and cardiac biochemical alterations were estimated. Treatment of mice with rhoifolin pre irradiation resulted in a significant increase of body weight compared to those irradiated. Biochemical analysis revealed that rhoifolin diminished the toxic effect of radiation by decreasing the level of lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde, ameliorating the alterations in nitric oxide, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase in plasma and tissue and the plasma lipid profile. Also, the blood platelets count, the content of glutathione and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase showed a significant elevation compared to those irradiated. Conclusion: The present study suggests a radioprotective effect of rhoifolin against radiation-induced decrease of blood platelets and cardiac biochemical lesions in whole body irradiated mice