Invesitgating the Radioprotective Effect of Brewed Rosa damascene in Comparison with Vitamin E on X-ray Induced Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Using Micronucleus Assay in Binucleated Cells

Aims: More people, for occupational and therapeutic purposes, is exposed to its harmful effects including chromosomal abnormalities every day. Radioprotective agents are able to reduce these kinds of damages through mechanisms such as free radical scavenging, donating hydrogen to damaged molecules and increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes. Medicinal plants which have been traditionally used in different societies, have special advantages to chemical radioprotectors due to their less side effects and affordable prices. Rosa damascene is one of the herbs which is widely used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of this herb. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study the radioprotective effect of one week use of brewed Rosa damascene against induced damages by 2 Gy X-irraidaiton in comparison to vitamin E in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 5 volunteers, 1, 24 and 96 hours as well as one week post last intake was investigated using binucleated micronucleus assay. Findings: Results showed that brewed Rosa damascene one-hour post last intake was able to significantly reduce the frequency of micronucleus. This results were similar for vitamin E at the same time after last intake. Conclusion: Results indicated that brewed Rosa damascene had the ability to protect cells from ionizing-induced damages and could be used as a cheap radioprotector with the ability to be used as a daily beverage in comparison to vitamin E.