Evaluation of Radioprotective Efficacy of Drymaria Cordata Extract on Whole-Body Radiation-Induced Hematological Damage in Mice

Introduction: Ionising radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology is steadily increasing, with clear significant benefits. However, the issues of unwanted radiation exposure to patients and medical workers, which has a hugely deleterious effect, remain a challenge that requires urgent attention. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the possible radioprotective potential of Drymaria cordata (DC) extract on mice’s hematological parameters following exposure to X-ray radiation and investigate its ability to increase the survival rate. Material and Methods: Sixty female mice weighing 38-45g, 10-12 weeks old, were used for this study. The mice were divided into six different groups containing ten mice, sub-divided into irradiated and un-irradiated groups. The animals received 250mg/kg extract of DC by oral gavage for thirteen days in addition to feeding and water ad libitum. Mice were irradiated at the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department of Grey’s Hospital using a linear accelerator. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals for the hematology test with post-irradiation monitoring for 30 days. Results: Exposure of mice to 4Gy and 8Gy of X-ray radiation produced significant changes in the mice’s erythrocytes, hematocrit, leukocytes and platelets in a dose and time-dependent manner compared with the control (CNT) group. The present study revealed a progressive decrease in all the hematological parameters until 30 days among the irradiated groups. However, animals treated with DC extract before irradiation and animals who received extract only exhibited a significant time-dependent increase in the studied hematological parameters compared to the animals in the CNT group. Furthermore, the pre-treatment of mice with the DC delayed the onset of mortality, thereby increasing the mice s survival rate compared with the irradiated control. Conclusion: Our findings showed that DC is a potent natural radioprotective agent through its ability to reduce radiation-induced damage in mice’s hematopoietic system and increase the survival rate.