Indian medicinal herbs and ayurvedic formulations as potential radioprotectors.

Abstract

Radiation causes damage to different tissues and natural compounds can protect against such damage. Radioprotection by such compounds has potential applications in intentional and accidental radiation exposures. Development of radioprotectors from natural sources will have great value in future because they are easily available, economical and non-toxic. Indian medicinal plants and Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations have proved to be very effective radioprotectors. A list of radioprotective effects of Indian medicinal plants and polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations is provided. Some individual plants that show a variety of significant protective effects are discussed in detail.