We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Naturally Derived Plant Compounds Protect Skin during Cancer Radiotherapy

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Aug 2014
Print article
Plant-derived natural compounds may provide protection to the skin from the damaging effects of gamma radiation during cancer radiotherapy, according to new research.

Radiotherapy for cancer involves exposing the patient or their tumor more directly to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays. The radiation irreparably injures the cancer cells. Regrettably, such radiation is also harmful to healthy tissue, in particular, the skin over the site of the tumor, which is then at risk of hair loss, skin problems, and even skin cancer. Because of these disadvantages, finding ways to protect the overlying skin are being actively sought.

Writing in the August/September 2014 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation, Dr. Faruck Lukmanul Hakkim, from the University of Nizwa (Oman) and Nagasaki University (Japan), and colleagues from Macquarie University (Sydney, NSW, Australia), Bharathiar University (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India) and Konkuk University (Seoul, Republic of Korea), explained how three abundant and well-evaluated natural products derived from plants can protect the skin against gamma radiation during radiotherapy.

Dr. Hakkim and colleagues discussed in their article the benefits of the organic, antioxidant compounds caffeic acid (CA), rosmarinic acid (RA), and trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) used at nontoxic concentrations. They assessed the radio-protective effect of these compounds against gamma-radiation in terms of reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in skin cells by clinical relevance dose of gamma ray in the laboratory and in terms of the damage to the genetic material DNA, specifically double strand breaks in laboratory samples of human skin cells (keratinocytes).

The investigators discovered that treating the human skin cells with CA, RA, and TCA can protect the cells by 40, 20, and 15%, respectively, from gamma ray toxicity. The scientists suggested that the protective effect occurs because the compounds soak up the ROS and chemically deactivate them as well as enhancing the body’s natural DNA repair processes.

The investigators suggested that these compounds would be well-suited to be used as skin protectants during combination chemo- and radiotherapy. Further research is ongoing to study the clinical potential of mixtures of the three natural products.

Related Links:

University of Nizwa
Nagasaki University
Macquarie University


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.