Approach towards development of a radioprotector using herbal source against lethal irradiation

Ionizing radiation transfuses deleterious effects in biological systems. Radiation exposures could be accidental or intended. Efforts for the development of a safe radioprotector have been going over many decades. Several chemical and synthetic compounds have been evaluated to meet the need, however, associated toxicity with useful doses has precluded their use from bench to bed. Presence of number of secondary metabolites, working in synergism with minimum toxicity, besides, the potential remedial source used against illness during ancient days, has compelled scientific community to exploit herbal resource for the development of a radioprotector. Published literature conveys that plants are under extensive screening for their radioprotective potentials. However, lack of a systematic approach has confined this endeavor to books and journals only. Sincere efforts have been put in the current review to explain a methodical approach for development of radioprotector from herbs. Based on thorough study, all possible steps i.e. understanding the concept of radioprotection, selection of plant species, taxonomical identification, extraction and fractionation, preservation, chemical characterization, efficacy using various model systems, toxicity and finally care to meet all regulatory requirement for development of a safe radioprotector are discussed here.