Protective Efficacy of Asparagus racemosus root extract and Isoprinosine against Ionizing Radiation - induced Clastogenicity and Toxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Objective: We aimed to evaluate anticlastogenic and radioprotective potential of Asparagus racemosus root extract (ARE) and Isoprinosine (IPR) against electron beam radiation (EBR) induced clastogenicity and toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methodology: In the pre-radiation study, the experimental animals were orally administered ARE - 200mg and IPR - 400mg/ kg b.wt once daily for 15 consecutive days. The animals exposed to sublethal dose (6Gy) of whole body EBR. Chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus assay were carried out in the bone marrow cells of the experimental animals. The various types of aberrations were scored and the micronuclei in Polychromatic Erythrocytes (PCE) and Nomochromatic Erythrocytes (NCE) were recorded. Assessment of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), was performed using mouse GM-CSF Picokine ELISA kit. Non-specific Alpha - esterase activity was determined by simultaneous azo dye coupling method. Dose Reduction Factor (DRF) was calculated to determine the protective role of ARE and IPR against EBR. Result: Treatment of mice with ARE-200 mg/kg b.wt and IPR-400mg/kg b.wt decreased the percentage of the total aberration compared to the irradiated group; significantly reduced (P