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"The transfer of energy that is produced by radiation is similar to that caused by other forms of acute injury such as an automobile crash or a bullet wound…The difference between a bullet and an X ray lies principally in the size of the particle. While a bullet destroys tissues and entire organs, a particle of radiation collides with single atoms or molecules deep within the cells." 153
—H. Needleman and P. Landrigan, Raising Children Toxic Free, 1994
Beta-carotene derived from the microalga Dunaliella demonstrates anti-mutagenic effects on humanlymphocytes, as shown in a Chinese study using in vitro micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests. The inhibitory effect of microalgae-extracted beta-carotene on mutagenesis induced by both gamma-rays and mitomycin, a known mutagenic agent, was demonstrated. 143
New research provides evidence that dietary flavonoids (i.e., pigments) may help repair a range of free radical damage in DNA and offer protection against strand breaks and base alterations in our cells’ genetic material. Scientists at the University of Aukland, New Zealand, demonstrated that antioxidant flavonoids can reduce the incidence of single-strand breaks in irradiated solutions of double-stranded DNA, in vitro. Using advanced pulse radiolysis measurements, scientists found that electron transfer from the flavonoids to free radical attack sites on DNA appears to result in a faster chemical repair, lessening the oxidative damage to DNA. 144
Remarkable Radioprotective Effects
Numerous animal and in vitro studies using microalgae have demonstrated remarkable radioprotective effects. 160-164 When microalgae was administered orally to mice, radio-protective effects of microalgae were shown to occur both before and immediately after exposure to sub-lethal gamma-rays. 165
Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, found abundantly in microalgae, are known to be potent free-radical quenchers and lipid antioxidants. Natural beta-carotene (50 mg/kg diet), obtained from the unicellular alga, Dunaliella, was fed to rats exposed to a single high dose of whole-body radiation (4 Gy). Radiated control animals, not fed algal carotenoids, suffered a significant loss of body weight and decreased liver concentrations of beta-carotene and retinol, compared to algal beta-carotene supplemented rats. Normal increase in body weight and the absence of ill effects were noted in the groups of rats whose diet was supplemented by beta-carotene before and after irradiation. 155
Extracts of phycocyanin (the blue pigment) from blue-green algae helped to restore the efficiency of anti-oxidant defenses, dehydrogenase activity, and energy-rich phosphate levels in rats exposed to X-rays (dose of 5 Gy). 159
Several animal and in vitro studies using microalgae have demonstrated remarkable radioprotective effects. 160-164 When microalgae was administered orally to mice, radio-protective effects of microalgae were shown to occur both before and immediately after exposure to sub-lethal gamma-rays. 165 Significant benefits were observed in the number of bone marrow cells and the spleen weight.
