[#2006-08] Reishi: Pillai, Thulasi G. et al ‘The Radioprotective Properties’
Prevention of radiation-induced damages by aqueous extract of Ganoderma lucidum occurring in southern parts of India
Thulasi G. Pillai1, Veena P. Salvi2, Dharmendra Kumar Maurya2,Cherupally Krishnan Krishnan Nair2 and K. K. Janardhanan1,*
1Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur 680 555, India 2Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
Our previous studies have demonstrated that aqueous extract of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) occurring in South India possessed significant antioxidant activity. The present study was aimed at evaluating the radioprotective properties of the aqueous extract of this mushroom. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), protection of radiation-induced plasmid pBR322 DNA strand breaks and inhibitions of lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) were employed to determine the level of protection offered by the extract. The results indicate that aqueous extract of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) possessed significant radioprotective activity. The findings suggest the potential use of this mushroom extract for the prevention of radiation-induced cellular damages.
