Radioprotective effect of the Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra L.) against radiopharmaceutical iodine-131 in Wistar rats in vivo.

Background: The increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables has contributed to the improvement of populational health, due in part, to the abundance of antioxidants in these foods. Antioxidants reduce the level of oxidative damage to DNA caused by free radicals and ionizing radiation, including the radioisotope iodine-131 (131I). This isotope is used for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid injuries, such as hyperthyroidism and cancer.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of a natural antidepressant, Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort), on vegetal and animal test systems.

Background: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is an herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa and that is recognized and used worldwide for the treatment of mild and moderate depression.

Mutagenicity of diagnostic and therapeutical doses of radiopharmaceutical iodine-131 in Wistar rats.

Iodine-131 ((131)I) is a radioisotope used for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroidal disorders such as hyperthyroidism and cancer. During its decay, (131)I emits beta particles and gamma rays; its physical half-life is 8 days, and it is accumulated preferentially in the thyroid tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of diagnostic and therapeutic doses of (131)I using bone marrow cells of rats treated in vivo in a test system with a single dose by gavage.