In Vitro Incidence of Chromosome Aberrations in Gamma-irradiated Rabbit Lymphocytes, Treated with Haberlea Rhodopensis Extract and Vitamin C

Ionizing radiation produce deleterious effects in the living organisms and the rapid technological advancement has increased human exposure to ionizing radiation enormously. There is a need to protect humans against such effects of ionizing radiation. In this study, the effect of Haberlea rhodopensis and vitamin C on the frequency of chromosome aberrations in rabbits peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro gamma irradiation was compared. Results demonstrated that H. rhodopensis extract (at concentrations 1.0 μL/mL, 4.0 μL/mL and 8.0 μL/mL) reduced the frequency of chromosome aberrations, especially double chromosome fragments and dicentrics, as well as aberrant cells. H. rhodopensis extract applied at 1.0, 4.0 and 8.0 μL/mL was found to be more effective in reducing aberrant cells than vitamin C (1.0 μg/mL). The effect of H. rhodopensis and vitamin C on the frequency of dicentrics and double acentric fragments was similar. It can be concluded that the extract of H. rhodopensis at tested concentrations showed a radioprotective potential.