Manisha Mascarenhas J A

The present study was designed to evaluate the radio protective potency of the ethanolic extract of Aquilaria malaccensis (Agar wood) leaves by assessing the endogenous oxidant level, haematological parameters and the histopathology of liver. Extract was given orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg orally for 15 days prior to exposure of Gamma radiation (2.5 Gy). The irradiated mice were kept under observation for 15 days for any sign of radiation sickness, morbidity and mortality which showed no changes. The haematological parameters showed a significant decrease in the irradiated mice and increase in the drug treated mice when compared with the control group. Radiation induced mice showed increases in the level of endogenous enzymes, when compared to normal animals. Treatment with extract caused reversal of these changes towards the normal. Histopathological changes in the liver section of treated animals showed improved cellular architecture when compared to the normal group. The present study indicates that supplementation with Aquilaria malaccensis has significant antioxidant activity and act as probable radio protector against gamma radiation induced oxidative damage. The finding of the present study provides the evidence that, alcoholic extract  of Aquilaria malaccensis may be beneficial as a potential supplement in the radiotherapy to protect normal cells from the destructive effects of radiation.