Asparagus racemosus Root Extract and Isoprinosine Exhibits Radio-mitigating Activity against Ionizing Radiation-induced Detrimental Effects in Swiss Albino Mice

Objectives: To evaluate the radio – mitigating property of Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract and Isoprinosine against ionizing radiationinduced harmful effects in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The experimental animals were exposed to sublethal dose (6 Gy) of whole-body electron beam radiation and administered orally with Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract (ARE – 200mg/kg bd. wt) and Isoprinosine (IPR – 400 mg/ kg bd. wt) for 15 consecutive days. After the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and liver tissue were collected. Blood sample was used for assessment of hematological parameters, serum was used for biochemical analysis (lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity) and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined in the liver homogenate. Results: The radiation control group showed a statistically significant reduction in the hematological parameters. IPR post-treatment group showed a substantial increase in the percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes. ARE and IPR post-treatment caused a statistically significant improvement in platelet count. Irradiation of mice resulted in a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation. Post-treatment of mice with ARE and IPR caused significant depletion in lipid peroxidation. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the irradiated group decreased significantly. Administration of ARE to the animals after irradiation caused a significant elevation in TAC level. IPR post-treatment did not show any substantial change in the reduced level of TAC. The cytokines level in the liver homogenate of irradiated mice showed that Interleukin -2 (IL-2), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) significantly increased after radiation exposure. Administration of ARE and IPR after irradiation significantly reduced the levels of IL-2 and TNF-α in the posttreatment groups. An elevated level of IFN-γ was reduced considerably in the IPR post-treatment animals. Conclusion: Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract and Isoprinosine exhibit radio-mitigating effects against electron beam radiation - induced detrimental effects. This occurs through several mechanisms, such as free radical scavenging, anti-inflammation, facilitation of repair activity, regeneration of hematopoietic cells and affecting to molecular levels.