Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and attenuate DMBA induced mammary and skin carcinomas in experimental animals.

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes were evaluated for its apoptosis-inducing and anti-cancer activities. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effect of total triterpenes were evaluated in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line using MTT assay and DNA fragmentation analysis. Total triterpenes induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by down-regulating the levels of cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and also by up-regulating the levels of Bax and caspase-9.

Protection of radiation induced DNA and membrane damages by total triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Karst.

The total triterpenes isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum was examined for its potential to prevent γ-radiation induced membrane damage in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes. The effects of total triterpenes on γ-radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in pBR 322 plasmid DNA in vitro and human peripheral blood lymphocytes ex vivo were evaluated. The protective effect of total triterpenes against γ-radiation-induced micronuclei formations in mice bone marrow cells in vivo were also evaluated.

Ferulic acid inhibits gamma radiation-induced DNA strand breaks and enhances the survival of mice.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a monophenolic phenylpropanoid occurring in plant products such as rice bran, green tea, and coffee beans. It has been shown to have significant antioxidant effects in many studies. In the present study, we show that intraperitoneal administration of FA at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight 1 hour prior to or immediately after whole-body γ-irradiation of mice with 4 Gy results in considerable reduction in the micronuclei formation in peripheral blood reticulocytes.

A novel microplate-based assay for screening radioprotectors and its validation based on DNA and membrane system.

Ionizing radiation leads to damage at various cellular and sub-cellular levels and can be prevented by radioprotectors. There are many in vitro and in vivo but rather expensive assays for screening of radioprotectors from natural and synthetic sources. We have developed a cell free radioprotector screening assay which involves bleaching of crocin pigment, isolated from saffron by radiolytic products of water.

Geraniin and amariin, ellagitannins from Phyllanthus amarus, protect liver cells against ethanol induced cytotoxicity.

Ethanol mediated free radical generation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver injuries and alcoholic liver diseases. In the present study two ellagitannins namely geraniin and amariin isolated from Phyllanthus amarus were examined for their ability to protect mouse liver slices against ethanol induced toxicity and possible mechanism of its protection. Oxidative stress markers such as, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, amount of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and antioxidant enzymes levels were measured using specific biochemical assays.