Protective Efficacy of Asparagus racemosus Root Extract and Isoprinosine against Ionizing Radiation - induced Clastogenicity and Toxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Objective: We aimed to evaluate anticlastogenic and radioprotective potential of Asparagus racemosus root extract (ARE) and Isoprinosine (IPR) against electron beam radiation (EBR) induced clastogenicity and toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methodology: In the pre-radiation study, the experimental animals were orally administered ARE - 200mg and IPR - 400mg/ kg b.wt once daily for 15 consecutive days. The animals exposed to sublethal dose (6Gy) of whole body EBR. Chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus assay were carried out in the bone marrow cells of the experimental animals. The various types of aberrations were scored and the micronuclei in Polychromatic Erythrocytes (PCE) and Nomochromatic Erythrocytes (NCE) were recorded. Assessment of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), was performed using mouse GM-CSF Picokine ELISA kit. Non-specific Alpha - esterase activity was determined by simultaneous azo dye coupling method. Dose Reduction Factor (DRF) was calculated to determine the protective role of ARE and IPR against EBR. Result: Treatment of mice with ARE-200 mg/kg b.wt and IPR-400mg/kg b.wt decreased the percentage of the total aberration compared to the irradiated group; significantly reduced (P<0.05) the frequency of Mn PCE and Mn NCE when compared with irradiation alone groups. Irradiation reduced the level of GM-CSF in the splenocytes which was enhanced by the pre-treatment with ARE and IPR. There was a significant increase in the number of alpha-esterase positive cells in the pre-treatment group compared to radiation control. Increase in survival percentage was observed in the pre-treated mice when compared to radiation alone group. The DRF value of 1.11 and 1.04 was observed respectively. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the antioxidant potential of ARE and IPR could be of extreme significance in offering radioprotection and may be useful in combating various free-radical and reactive oxygen species - mediated human pathological conditions.