Natural Radioprotective Agents: An Overview

This review attempts to systematize the myriad aspects of natural radioprotective agents assembled from a comprehensive survey. These aspects include definition, historical background, mechanism of action, components of biological system damaged by radiation, areas of application, classification, sources, activity profiles of radioprotective agents belonging to various classes exerting both prophylactic / therapeutic effects and finally, the combination strategies employed for enhancing radioprotective action and reducing toxicities. Some useful conclusions follow the main text. Future prospects in the area of natural radioprotectors are briefly touched upon at the end of the review.