Natural Radioprotective Agents against Ionizing Radiation – An Overview

Ionizing radiations are one of the predominant exogenous factors that have deleterious consequences to human life The biological effects of the radiation cause damages to DNAs, lipids and proteins. Exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation causes damages to the hematopoietic, gastrointestinal or central nervous systems, depending on radiation dose. Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent such effects due to ionizing radiations. The possible prevention of the effects of ionizing radiations on biological systems by phytochemicals, plants and herbal extracts are known as “Natural Radioprotectants”. This review mainly highlights the strategies relevant to the development of radioprotectors. It also deals on areas of applications, mechanism of action, sources and chemical classifications. Finally, some useful conclusions and future prospects in the area of natural radioprotectors are briefly