Radiomodulatory influence of Rajgira (Amaranthus paniculatus) leaf extract in Swiss albino mice

Radiomodulatory effect of Rajgira leaf extract against 6, 8 and 10 Gy gamma radiation has been evaluated by 30 day survival of Swiss albino mice. Animals of control groups (untreated irradiated) showed diarrhoea, ruffled hairs, epilation, facial edema and consistent decrease in body weight. These signs were less severe/absent in experimental groups (Rajgira treated irradiated), and recovery in body weight was also early and faster. Thirty day survivability was 66 per cent in control group, exposed to 6 Gy, whereas no animal survived beyond 14 and 10 days after irradiation with 8 and 10 Gy gamma rays respectively. However, 100, 60 and 25 percent survivability was observed in experimental groups at 6, 8 and 10 Gy respectively. Regression analysis of survival data showed that the LD50/30 values were 6.33 and 8.62 Gy for control and experimental animals respectively. The dose reduction factor (DRF) was computed as 1.36. A significant decrease in GSH content and increase in LPO level was observed in control animals, whereas in Rajgira pretreated irradiated animals the level of GSH was recorded significantly higher but LPO level decreased significantly. The results from the present study suggest that Rajgira pretreatment provide protection against gamma irradiation in mice.