Lemna minor L. extract attenuates gamma-radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations and oxidative stress in human peripheral blood cultures Radioprotection by Lemna minor L. extract
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Abstract
Radiation exposure - whether through medical treatments, nuclear incidents, or space exploration—poses a serious threat to human health due to the significant cellular damage it can cause. Lemna minor L. (LM), plant extract rich in biologically active compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, has shown promise in reducing the harmful cellular effects of gamma (γ) radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the radioprotective potential of LM extract, focusing on its antioxidant and anticlastogenic effects in human lymphocytes cultures exposed to γ-radiation (2 Gy). Alongside the standard chromosome aberration assay, the study assessed additional markers of oxidative damage, including protein oxidation (via 5-MSL spin-labeling), lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde, MDA), and reactive oxygen/nitrogen (ROS/RNS) species. LM extract treatment at a concentration of 50 µg. mL-1 significantly alleviated γ-induced cellular damage. The extract exhibited significant anticlastogenic effect, markedly reducing the frequencies of total chromosomal aberrations, dicentric chromosomes, and cells with chromosomal aberrations (p < 0.05). LM treatment significantly lowered oxidative stress markers, by reducing ROS/RNS production, MDA and protein oxidation (p < 0.05) and restore antioxidant activities. These findings indicate that LM extract strengthens cellular defence mechanisms against damage from 2 Gy-radiation. Its strong antioxidant and protective properties highlight its potential as a valuable radioprotective agent.
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How to Cite
PETROVA-TACHEVA, Veselina et al.
Lemna minor L. extract attenuates gamma-radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations and oxidative stress in human peripheral blood cultures.
Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 1, p. 118-132, mar. 2026.
ISSN 2603-3380.
Available at: <https://www.ijfsab.com/index.php/fsab/article/view/551>. Date accessed: 19 may 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2026.v9.i1.551.