Effect of brahma rasayana on antioxidant system after radiation.

Oral administration of brahma rasayana (BR; 50 mg/animal for 10 and 30 days) significantly increased the liver antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase(CAT) and tissue and serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Whole body irradiation suppressed the levels of SOD, CAT and GSH. Reduced activity of SOD, CAT and GSH was significantly elevated by treatment with BR after radiation treatment. Similarly radiation exposure induced increase in serum and liver lipid peroxides was significantly reduced by further treatment with BR. The results indicate that BR could ameliorate the oxidative damage produced in the body by radiation and may be useful as an adjuvant during radiation therapy.