Radioprotective effects of citrus extract against gamma-irradiation in mouse bone marrow cells

The radioprotective effects of citrus extract were investigated by using the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic and cell proliferation activity. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of citrus extract (Citrus aurantium var. amara) at 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg body weight 1 h prior to gamma-ray irradiation (1.5 Gy) reduced the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCE(S)) and normochromatic erythrocytes (MnNCE (S)). All three doses of citrus extract significantly reduced the frequencies of MnPCEs and MnNCEs in mice bone marrow compared to non-drug-treated irradiated control (p < 0.005-0.05). The optimum dose for protection in mouse was 250 mg/kg to protect mice bone marrow 2.2-fold against the side effects of gamma-irradiation with respect to the non-drug-treated irradiated control. The flavonoids were contained in citrus extract, probably to show protective activity, and reduced the clastogenic effect of radiation on mice bone marrow. Therefore fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids to be useful as protective effects under such stress conditions as irradiation.