Study of Radioactive Productivity in Swiss Albino Mice of Herbal Project by Plant Extract

Abstract

Use of ionising radiation for both peaceful and military purpose has increased the exposure risk to living organisms. Gamma radiation, X-Rays and various isotopes are the most common source of human exposure. Radon products, Nuclear weapons, use of atomic energy in industries, isotopes in the field of medicine institutes of research are the other sources from which man may receive radiation. Ionizing radiations generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through radiolysis of water in animal body as it consists 60-80% of water. These ROS and other free radicals attack biological molecules (lipids, proteins and DNA) and caused per-oxidation of membrane lipids and oxidation of proteins and DNA. Hydroxyl radiation (OH-) is considered to be the most noxious free radical and responsible for initiation of radiation induced lipid per-oxidation and oxidation of proteins and DNA. Genetic material is the most critical target in which radiation can produce genetic as well as somatic changes that can be magnified in the form of death. A novel field of investigation is opened for assessment of radio-protective potential of phytochemicals and various plant extracts as they are nontoxic and many of them are a part if human diet. Aloe barbadensis Mill. Commonly known as Aloe Vera is one of such plant, which belongs to family Liliaceae and is being used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Leaves of Aloe plant contain vitamin A, C and E, minerals like zinc and selenium and glutathione peroxidise (GSHPx). Therefore, present study is an attempt to evaluate radio-protective potential of aqueous leaf of Aloe in Swiss albino mice by taking cytogenetic study as an end point.