Author/Authors :
Pirayesh Islamian، Jalil نويسنده Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , , Mehrali، Habib نويسنده Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,
Abstract :
Radio-protectors are agents that protect human cells and tissues from undesirable effects
of ionizing radiation by mainly scavenging radiation-induced free radicals. Although
chemical radio-protectors diminish these deleterious side effects they induce a number
of unwanted effects on humans such as blood pressure modifications, vomiting, nausea,
and both local and generalized cutaneous reactions. These disadvantages have led to
emphasis on the use of some botanical radio-protectants as alternatives. This review has
collected and organized studies on a plant-derived radio-protector, lycopene. Lycopene
protects normal tissues and cells by scavenging free radicals. Therefore, treatment of
cells with lycopene prior to exposure to an oxidative stress, oxidative molecules or ionizing
radiation may be an effective approach in diminishing undesirable effects of radiation
byproducts. Studies have designated lycopene to be an effective radio-protector with
negligible side effects.
