ROLE OF ADHATODA VASICA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST GAMMA RADIATION INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MICE PECTORALIS MUSCLE

Abstract

The science of radiation protection is a fundamental outgrowth of peaceful and military applications of ionizing radiation.
The various chemicals that have been used as radio protectors as free radical scavengers are effective if given prior to or
during irradiation. Several chemical agents/synthetic radio protectors have been used against the hazardous effects of
ionizing radiation in experimental studies with success. Medicinal plants play an important role in pharmacology and
medicine for many years. The objective of present study was to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme activities in pectoralis
muscle of mice. Mice were divided into four groups i.e. Group (i) containing normal mice served as control; group (ii)
mice given 900 mg/kg body wt. of Adhatoda vasica extract orally; group (iii) mice were exposed to gamma radiation
(6Gy) and group (iv) mice given Adhatoda vasica leaf extract plus gamma radiation (6 Gy). Present study demonstrated
that Adhatoda vasica leaf extract provides protection against free radical damage.