Mitigating effects of methanolic leaf extract of <i>Duranta erecta</i> against X-ray induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Carcinogenic effects and other harmful effects associated with low dose-rate and low dose radiation have recently been reported. Therefore, it is important to identify effective and safe radioprotectors or radiation mitigators that can counter the effects of ionizing radiation damage. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the mitigating potential of methanolic leaves extract of Duranta erecta (DE) against acute whole-body X-ray irradiation-induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Rats in groups B, C and D, were exposed to double X-rays radiation at a source to skin distance (SSD) of 70 cm to deliver a total radiation dose of 18.4mGy at the rate of 9.2mGy/exposure using 100kVp and 30mAs exposure factors and quality factor of the X-ray machine (P) of 15. Rats in group A (control) were neither irradiated nor administered with DE extract. In contrast, group B rats were irradiated but not treated. DE extract at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was administered to groups C and D rats for 15 consecutive days. On post-irradiation days 1, 7, 14 and 21, the antioxidant status of the rats was evaluated and compared with control. Parameters assessed were catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Mean serum levels of GSH, SOD, CAT and MDA in the irradiated and treated groups did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) from the un-irradiated control group. In conclusion, methanolic extract of DE mitigated against radiation-induced decline in serum GSH, SOD, CAT, and radiation-induced MDA elevation. Results obtained indicated that methanolic extract of DE can be used potentially as a natural radiation mitigating agent.