Protection of Radiation-induced DNA Damage in Albino Rats by Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent

Development of radioprotective agents has been a subject of intense research to ameliorate the aftermath of exposure to radiation exposure. The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant and radioprotective potentials of the fruit extract of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. Free radical scavenging activity of O. indicum fruit extracts was determined through DPPH and superoxide assays. Ascorbic acid, total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically. In vitro experiments on protection of DNA from radiation-induced (5 and 10 Gy) damages were done using pBR322 plasmid DNA. Albino rats injected intra-peritoneal with 1-2 g/kg of 60% ethanol extract and exposed to 1, 3 and 5 Gy were screened for radioprotective effects using comet assay. 60% methanol extract exhibited highest antioxidant potentials followed by 60% ethanol extract. Treatment with 60% ethanol extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced radiation-induced DNA damage in pBR322. Significant reduction of comet tail DNA and length (P < 0.05) in rat bone marrow cells was also observed. The results demonstrate that O. indicum fruit has tremendous antioxidant potentials and can protect DNA from radiation-induced damages in both in vitro and in vivo models without recognizable toxic effects.