Radioprotective Potential of Punica Granatum Extract and Synthetic Ellagic Acid: a Biochemical and Hematological Study in Mice

Radiation therapy has been used in cancer treatment for many decades; although effective in killing tumor cells, ROS produced in radiotherapy threaten the integrity and survival of surrounding normal cells. Recent studies have indicated that some commonly used medicinal plants may be good sources of potent but non-toxic radioprotectors. The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., an ancient, mystical, and highly distinctive fruit, is the predominant member of the Punicaceae family. It is used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of ethanolic extracts of pomegranate whole fruit (EPWF) and Synthetic Ellagic acid (EA) against Electron beam radiation(EBR) induced biochemical and hematological alterations in Swiss albino mice. The extract and synthetic compound were assessed for its radical scavenging property by DPPH and FRAP assays. The animals were treated with 200mg/kg body wt. of pomegranate extract and Ellagic acid for 15 days before exposure to 6Gy of EBR. The hematological parameters were determined in the blood and biochemical estimations were carried out in the serumof sacrificed animals. The plant extract and synthetic compound exhibited good radical scavenging and reducing properties. The pretreated animals exhibited protective effect on the hematological parameters. Radiation induced depletion in the level of reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity were prevented significantly by EPWF and EA administration. Also there was significant reduction in the levels of membrane lipid peroxidation in the treated groups compared to irradiated control. The findings of our study indicate the protective efficacy of pomegranate extract and synthetic ellagic acid on radiation induced biochemical and hematological changes in mice may be due to its free radical scavenging and increased antioxidant levels.