Effect of an Extract of Centella asiatica on the Biodistribution of Sodium Pertechnetate (NaTcO4) and on the Fixation of Radioactivity on Blood Constituents

This study evaluates the effects of an acute treatment with a Centella asiatica (CA) extract on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical NaTcO4 and on the fixation of technetium-99m on blood constituents. Wistar rats were treated with CA extract and, 1 hour after, NaTcO4 was administered; organs/tissues were withdrawn and weighted. The radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity per gram (%ATI/g). Also, blood samples were withdrawn, plasma (P), blood cells (BC), insoluble fraction (IF) and soluble fractions of P and BC were isolated and the radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity (%ATI). Data indicated that the acute treatment with CA extract changed significantly (p<0.05) the %ATI/g in several organs/tissues (spleen, heart, duodenum, stomach, liver, muscle, kidney, testis and blood) and the %ATI on the blood constituents (P, BC, IF-P and IF-BC). These results indicate that the substances or metabolites of the CA extract would change the biodistribution of NaTcO4 and the fixation of the technetium-99m on blood constituents in an acute treatment.