Aims: For occupational and therapeutic reasons, many people are exposed to the harmful effects of Ionizing Radiation (IR) including Chromosomal Aberrations (CA) every day. Radioprotective agents are able to reduce these damages through mechanisms such as scavenging free radical, donating hydrogen to damaged molecules and increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes. Medicinal plants, traditionally used in different societies, have special advantages due to their low side effects and cost-effectiveness compared to the chemical radioprotectors. Rosa damascena is one of these plants that is widely used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effects of brewed Rosa damascena in comparison with Vitamin E. Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, the radioprotective effect of 1-week use of brewed Rosa damascena on the CA induced by 2 Gy IR in comparison with vitamin E in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 10 volunteers, 1, 24, and 96 h as well as one week after the last intake was investigated using binucleated cell micronucleus assay. Findings: The use of brewed Rosa damascena 1 h after the last intake could significantly reduce the frequency of micronuclei. This result was similar to the effect of vitamin E at the same time. Conclusion: Brewed Rosa damascena is able to protect cells from IR-induced damages and can be used as a cheaper radioprotector with the possibility of daily use compared to vitamin E.
Chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after exposure to ionizing radiation
