(Cancer Radiation Protective) Radioprotective Potential of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract Blend derived from chokeberry, elderberry, blackcurrant, and evening primrose.
Counteract Radioprotective Potential of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract Blend: Preclinical Evaluation in Female Balb/c Mice Exposed to Ionizing Radiation (IR)
Publication: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, No. 26(20).
Karolina Niska, Patrycja Bloch, Paulina Karolina Kowalczk, Katarzyna Zima, Michalina Gramatyka, Tomasz Cichon, Michal Dobkowski, Krzysztof Lemke, Barbara Khaidakov
Abstract
Radiation is widely used in cancer therapy but also damages healthy tissues through oxidative stress or inflammation. In addition to cancer patients, many professionals are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Natural compounds, particularly polyphenols, have been increasingly investigated as potential radioprotective agents to minimize side effects in both patients and occupationally exposed individuals. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of a polyphenol-rich extract blend derived from chokeberry, elderberry, blackcurrant, and evening primrose in female Balb/c mice exposed to acute IR. The animals were pre-treated with the blend (100 mg/kg) for 7 days prior to whole-body IR at 6 Gy. Hematological parameters, immune cell viability, TNF-α level, gene expression, lipid peroxidation, and tissue morphology were assessed by hematology analysis, flow cytometry, ELISA, qRT-PCR, MDA assay, and histology. IR significantly reduced leukocyte (3.22-fold; p < 0.0001) and platelet counts (1.37-fold; p < 0.0001), increased TNF-α levels (53.93%; p < 0.0001), and elevated oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with the blend restored hematological parameters, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and normalized genes regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Histology confirmed preserved liver and kidney structures compared with irradiated controls. These findings highlight the polyphenol-rich extract blend as a promising natural radioprotective agent by modulating immune responses, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving tissue integrity.
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Elderberry represented 34.33% of anthocyanins and 7.01% of content in the blend.
Table 1. Main anthocyanins identified in the blend and their contents.
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Based on these promising preclinical results, a clinical trial has been planned as the next phase of research to confirm the efficacy and safety of the blend in humans over longer follow-up periods.
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The resulting liquid extracts were subsequently concentrated under reduced pressure and spray-dried. The blend is currently undergoing patent approval procedures.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that the polyphenol-rich extract blend composed of chokeberry, elderberry, blackcurrant, and evening primrose significantly mitigates the harmful effects of acute IR in a murine model. The blend effectively preserved hematological parameters, supported immune cell viability, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulated gene expression related to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Histological analyses further confirmed its protective effects at the tissue level. These findings highlight the potential of the tested formulation as a natural radioprotective agent and support its future development as an adjuvant strategy for individuals undergoing radiotherapy or those occupationally exposed to IR.
Link to full article: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209972