[Mutation Research (1997): (393), 157-163]

The induction of micronuclei was studied in mouse bone marrow treated or not with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b. wt. of Abana (a herbal preparation) before exposure to 0-3 Gy of γ-radiation. Whole-body irradiation of mice resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of micronuclei. Treatment of mice with various doses of Abana before exposure to different doses of γ-rays resulted in a significant reduction of the micronucleus frequency at all exposure doses. The highest decline in the frequencies of micronuclei was observed after administration of 20 mg/kg Abana, where the frequency of micronuclei was approximately 4-fold less than that of the concurrent control. The PCE/NCE ratio was significantly higher in the drug-treated group compared to DDW + irradiated control and it was almost restored to normal level after administration of 20 mg/kg Abana. Our results demonstrate that Abana protects mice against radiation-induced micronucleus formation and radiation-induced decline in cell proliferation.