Abstract

ALONSO MARTIN, Alena  and  ALMEIDA VARELA, Eliseo. Plants as potencial radioprotectors against ionizing radiation. Nucleus [online]. 2008, n.44, pp. 3-7. ISSN 0864-084X.

ABSTRACT Radioprotectors are agents that reduce toxicity, mutagenicity, and other adverse biological effects from ionizing radiation on living organisms. The development of radioprotective agents has been the subject of intense research because of their potential use in radiation environments like spatial explorations, radiotherapy, and even nuclear war. However, the search for effective, ideal, and safe radioprotectors keeps on, as well as the development of clinical trials involving the use of some of them. On the other hand, several research groups have leaded their efforts to find alternative sources to the current chemical compounds and their synthetic analogs, with emphasis in the use of vegetal extratcs. This review summarizes some of the most promising species, including Cuban endemic plants which have rendered significant radioprotection properties. The mechanisms involved in such effect are also discussed. In addition to the researches accomplished, further studies are required to assess the radioprotective potential of specific plant extracts aiming to be used in different applications.

Keywords : biological radiation effects; gamma radiation, plants; radioprotective substances; radiation protection; ionizing radiations.

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