Ameliorative response of some essential oil furanocoumarins and proteins from Psoralea corylifolia against gamma-irradiation induced oxidative stress

Secondary metabolism producing essential oil furanocoumarins depends on various environmental factors and ionizing radiation is currently a very important way of enhancing these compounds through radio stimulation. The study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of essential oil furanocoumarins and proteins from Psoralea corylifolia against gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress. Antioxidant biomarkers like H2O2, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase increased significantly (p < 0.01) in all treated groups. Dose dependent increase of H2O2 concentration leads to significant chromosomal abnormalities. Essential oil (EO) yield and furanocoumarin content showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase up to 200 Gy. These contents decreased significantly on increased expression of proteins involved in furanocoumarin biosynthesis and stress defense. DPHH and Phosphomolybdenum assays showed a significant (p < 0.01) antioxidant activity in the essential oil on varying doses of gamma radiation. It is concluded that mild doses of gamma irradiation is an important abiotic-elicitor for enhancing the essential oil yield and furanocoumarin content in P. corylifolia which possess important radio resistant properties.