Radiation protection properties of Myrtus communis against oxidation caused by whole-body exposure of mice

Introduction: Exposure to ionizing radiation can be through direct hit or water radiolysis lead to oxidation in biological systems. In this study, the protective effect of Myrtus Communis aqueous extract on structural changes and oxidative stress in red blood cells and plasma proteins was examined after receipt of ionizing radiation. Materials and Methods: wistar rats were administered Myrtus Communis aqueous extract (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) for a week before exposing them to a single dose of 6 Gy of 6MV x-ray. Blood samples were collected one hour after irradiation. Changes in the structure of hemoglobin, FRAP and carbonyl assay tests were performed for three groups 1) control, 2) exposed, 3) exposed +extract Results: Decrease in the level of oxyhemoglobin (The averages were ±35.36 2.35, 1.35±17.05, and ±26.92 0.45 respectively for control, exposed and exposed +extract was observed (p<0.001). a significant increase in the methemoglobin (0.11±0.47 ,0.585±9.850 and ±5.070 0.139) and hemichrome (0.09±0.77,0.59±6.18 and 1.910.28±) levels were showed (p<0.001). FRAP test and carbonyl assay showed the rate of oxidation in the blood of irradiated rats. The deference between these components was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with aqueous extract of Myrtus Communis can provide the radiation protection against x-ray-induced oxidative damage. The protection may be attributed to the free radical scavenging activity of this extract.