The Importance of Natural Radiation Modifiers in Protection and Mitigation of Radiation Injuries

Normal tissue injury is one of the biggest concerns for cancer therapy as also exposure to radiation accidents. Damage to radiosensitive organs such as bone marrow and gastrointestinal system, lung, liver, and kidney is the most important reason for mortality or reduced quality of life caused by long-term side effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of antioxidant compounds and radioprotectors is one of the best options for reducing radiation effects. This study is a narrative review that overviews the capability of antioxidants and natural plant compounds for ameliorating radiation-induced damage. Using natural antioxidants and radioprotectors is one of the best choices for the amelioration of radiation side effects. Although to date, some chemical agents have been studied for this aim, natural antioxidants with low toxicity are more interested in mitigation of radiation accidents after radiological and nuclear accidents. In the current review, natural antioxidants and herbal agents for the amelioration of damages caused by exposure to radiation will be discussed. The need for further research in this area is a significant gap that can be attributed to further applied studies in the future. It seems that natural radiomitigators can play an effective role in treating side effects and reducing mortality after radiation disasters. The need for further research in this area is a significant gap that can be attributed to further applied studies.