Post-treatment effects of Alstonia scholaris extract against radiation-induced biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice

Background: This study has been undertaken to find out the possible radioprotective potential of the Alstonia scholaris extract (ASE). Materials and Methods: For experimental study, healthy Swiss albino male mice were selected from an inbred colony and divided in four groups. Group I (normal) did not receive any treatment. Group II was orally supplemented ASE once daily at the dose of 100 mg/ kg.b.wt/day for 5 consecutive days. Group III (control) received distilled water orally equivalent to ASE for 5 days then exposed to 7.5 Gy of gamma radiation. Group IV (experimental) was administered orally ASE for 5 consecutive days once daily and exposed to single dose of 7.5 Gy of gamma radiation. Mice were sacrificed at different autopsy intervals viz. 12 hrs. 1, 3,7,15 and 30 days, and their liver and blood were taken for various biochemical estimations viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), protein and cholesterol. Results: Radiation induced augmentation in lipid peroxidation and cholesterol was significantly ameliorated by ASE extract and deficit produced in protein and glutathione content by radiation was checked. Conclusion: Alstonia scholaris extract pretreatment hence renders protection against radiation-induced biochemical alterations in mice. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2010 8 (3): 169-177