Protection of DNA and membrane from γ-radiation induced damage by the extract of Acorus calamus Linn.: An in vitro study

Acorus calamus, an ethnomedicinally important plant, was investigated for its protecting activity against radiation induced DNA and membrane damage. The in vitro free radical scavenging activity of the extract (water:ethanol, 1:1) of A. calamus was studied by parameters viz DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Membrane damage due to radiation exposure was measured as the peroxidation of lipids in terms of thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS). The in vitro DNA damage was monitored by assessing the radiation induced relaxation of supercoiled plasmid DNA (pBR322). Damage to cellular DNA induced by γ-radiation (6 Gy) was monitored by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay in murine cells and human peripheral blood leukocytes. Enhancement of DNA repair mechanism was also monitored. The extract effectively scavenged free radicals in a concentration dependent manner. Presence of A. calamus extract during irradiation prevented peroxidation of membrane lipids in mouse liver homogenate. It helped to reduce the disappearance of the covalently closed circular (ccc) form of plasmid DNA following exposure to γ-radiation. Also the A. calamus extract effectively protected DNA from radiation induced strand breaks and enhanced the DNA repair process. Hence A. calamus extract can be used as a good source of natural radioprotecting agent.