Antioxidant and radiation antagonistic effect of Saraca indica.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the radiation mitigating effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Saraca indica (SIE) against mice exposed to whole body gamma radiation. Free radical scavenging ability by SIE was demonstrated using hydroxyl, superoxide anion, ABTS*+ and DPPH radicals generated in vitro. A significant increase in the animal survival (dose reduction factor = 1.39), inhibition in the decline of hematological parameters as well as increased number of spleen colony-forming units was observed when SIE was administered prior to radiation. SIE pretreatment increased the levels of glutathione, glutathione S- trans-ferase, catalase and lowered lipid peroxidation. Our findings for the first time demonstrate the protective potential of SIE against radiation induced syndromes with an optimal dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt. The radiation mitigating effect may be attributed to the mechanisms such as free radical scavenging, elevation in antioxidant status, and reduction in lipid peroxidation.