Royal Jelly Attenuates Ionizing Radiation Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

The aim of this study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of Royal Jelly (RJ) against gamma radiation induced cardiotoxicity and inflammation in male albino rats. Twenty four albino rats were divided into four equal groups as follows: Control group: Without radiation or treatment, irradiated group: Animals subjected to whole body gamma irradiation at a dose level of 6Gy, treated group: Rats were given orally RJ at a dose of 250mg/kg/day for 15 days by oral tube and treated irradiated group: Animals were treated orally with RJ at a dose of 250mg/kg/day for 15 days by oral tube, then exposed to whole body gamma irradiation at a dose of 6Gy. The obtained results revealed that the administration of RJ to irradiated rats significantly ameliorated the changes occurred in the investigated biochemical parameters. The histopathological results showed distinctive pattern of myocardial injuries in irradiated group, while in treated-irradiated group the myocardial tissues showed minimum injury with or without congested blood vessels or edema. In conclusion, RJ acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent or ameliorates the toxic effects of gamma irradiation. Also, RJ might provide substantial protection against radiation-induced inflammatory damages.