Impacts of ionizing radiations and protective efficacy of phytochemicals: A review

The ionizing radiations have great impact on living cells and damage caused is owing to the multitude of ultra-fast physical and chemical reactions initiated by radiations. Irradiation of a biological system or exposure to radiation causes catastrophic damage. The ionizing radiations initiate free radical generation which causes damage to lipid membranes of the cell and cell organelles, induces strand breaks in DNA and almost every organ damages. There is devoid of commercially available radioprotectors which neutralizes the reactions caused by radiations and completely shields from the radiation induced damage. From few decades, there is search for novel, nontoxic, economically feasible, socially accessible radioprotectors and during time a large number of plants are screened extensively. The search scientifically proved plants as potent protectors against ailments caused by the radiations both in vitro and in vivo, therefore providing the scope to use against ailments caused by radiations. The phytochemicals like flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, Vitamins etc., play a significant role in therapeutic purposes and practiced as an alternative medicine in many Asian countries from time immortal. This article extensively reviews the impact of radiations on living tissue and Radioprotective efficacy of phytochemicals against the ionizing radiations.