Effect of Sobatum on radiation-induced toxicity in mice

Sobatum, the active fraction of the plant Solanum trilobatum was obtained from the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (75:25) extractable portion. Sobatum was proven to be an anticancer agent by in vitro and in vivo methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Sobatum on radiation-induced toxicity in mice. In this assay there are three groups. Group I, the control group, received radiation alone, while groups II and III received Sobatum (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) with radiation. Sobatum was administered 24 h before radiation and was continued for 4 alternate days. Body weight, food intake and blood parameters were determined before radiation and every 3 days after radiation for 17 days. The results indicated that there was significantly less body weight gain and food intake in the radiation alone-treated group compared to the Sobatum-treated group. The average leukocyte count and haemoglobin level of the Sobatum-treated group was considerably improved at the end of the experimental period. Hence, it can be concluded that Sobatum reduced the side-effects of radiation-induced toxicity and suggested that it could be used along with radiation therapy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.