Preprint / Version 1

Effects of traditional oriental medicines as anti-cytotoxic agents in radiotherapy

Authors

  • Wanyeon Kim Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
  • Jihoon Kang Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
  • Sungmin Lee Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
  • Buhyun Youn Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea

Keywords:

antioxidant, cancer, natural product, radiotherapy, radioprotector, reactive oxygen species, traditional oriental medicine

Abstract

The primary goal of radiotherapy in oncology is to enhance the efficacy of tumor cell death while decreasing damage to surrounding normal cells. Positive therapeutic outcomes may be accomplished by improved targeting, precisely targeting tumor cells or protecting normal cells against radiation-induced damage. The potential for antioxidants to decrease normal tissue damage induced by radiation has been investigated in animal models for a number of decades. In attempts for radioprotection, certain synthetic chemicals are suggested as antioxidants and normal tissue protectors against radiation-induced damage, but they have exhibited limitations in pharmacological application due to undesirable effects and high toxicities at clinical doses. The present review focuses on the radioprotective efficacy of traditional oriental medicines with the advantage of low toxicity at pharmacological doses and how such treatments may influence various harmful effects induced by radiation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, medicinal plants and their active constituents with biological activities that may be associated with alleviation of radiation-induced damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and immunostimulatory properties are discussed. Keywords: antioxidant, cancer, natural product, radiotherapy, radioprotector, reactive oxygen species, traditional oriental medicine

Author Biographies

Wanyeon Kim, Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea

Department of Biology Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Republic of Korea

Buhyun Youn, Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea

Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea