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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Pharmacological and Functional Genetic Assays to Manipulate Regeneration of the Planarian Dugesia japonica
Published on: August 31, 2011
Pharmacology of natural radioprotectors
Gil-Im Mun1, Seoyoung Kim1, Eun Choi1
1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Korea.
Abstract:
Radiotherapy is one of the most efficient ways to treat cancer. However, deleterious effects, such as acute and chronic toxicities that reduce the quality of life, may result. Naturally occurring compounds have been shown to be non-toxic over wide dose ranges and are inexpensive and effective. Additionally, pharmacological strategies have been developed that use radioprotectors to inhibit radiation-induced toxicities. Currently available radioprotectors have several limitations, including toxicity. In this review, we present the mechanisms of proven radioprotectors, ranging from free radical scavenging (the best-known mechanism of radioprotection) to molecular-based radioprotection (e.g., upregulating expression of heat shock proteins). Finally, we discuss naturally occurring compounds with radioprotective properties in the context of these mechanisms.
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