Abstract:
The radioprotective potential of various concentrations (0, 50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. wt.) of orally-administered powdered Garcinia mangostana rind extract (GMRE) mixed in distilled water was studied in mice whole-body exposed to 5.0 Gy of y-irradiation. As assayed through the Micronucleus Test, it was observed that all doses of GMRE considered administered 8 days prior to irradiation conferred a radioprotective effect. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCEs) was significantly decreased (p=0.00). Mice administered 0 mg/kg GMRE had the highest mean MPCE frequency (8.83 ± 2.730); followed by 50 mg/kg (3.93 ± 1.174), 500 mg/kg (1.97 ± 1.273), and then by 1000 mg/kg (0.39 ± 0.778). The radioprotective action of GMRE increased in a dose-dependent manner up to 1000 mg/kg, where the smallest number of MPCEs formed (0.39 ± 0.778). It showed no significant difference from the negative control (p=1.00). The probable presence of secondary metabolites like xanthones in GMRE possibly conferred radioprotection through free-radical scavenging and immunomodulatory mechanisms. This study demonstrates that orally-administered GMRE, which protected mice against y radiation-induced cell damage at a maximally effective dose of 1000 mg/kg, could be a novel radioprotector, with advantages of low cost, non-toxicity and high efficiency.
