Review of Phyto-Medical Extracts’ and Compounds’ Anti-Radiation Properties

Abstract

Humans are routinely exposed to radiation when receiving cancer treatment, fighting nuclear weapons, exploring space, and flying. Radiation exposure damages biological components such as protein, lipids, and cell membranes because it causes oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, which can lead to DNA destruction even at low concentrations. Protecting people from the harmful effects of radiation is a challenging task due to the plethora of side effects of the chemical compounds used to mitigate DNA damage in normal cells. Hospitals continue to utilize radiotherapy for cancer treatment; yet, the adverse effects of the radiation they emit have outweighed the benefits. Plant phytochemicals and their derivatives exhibit diverse biological functions, often perceived as innocuous due to their non-toxic nature within subcellular and cellular environments. Moreover, they possess the capability to mitigate radiation-induced damage. This review aims to delineate the radioprotective attributes of plant polyphenols and extracts, elucidating their mechanisms of action across various models.