Title:Radioprotective Effect of Piperine, as a Major Component of Black Pepper,
Against Radiation-induced Colon Injury: Biochemical and Histological
Studies
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Author(s): Asal Safarbalou, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, Fereshteh Talebpour Amiri and Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr*
Affiliation:
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Keywords:
Ionizing radiation, piperine, radiation, colon injury, oxidative stress, radioprotective.
Abstract:
Background: Patients undergoing radiotherapy are prone to radiation-induced gastrointestinal
injury. Piperine is an alkaloid component in black pepper with a unique chemopreventive
activity against oxidative stress-related damage in healthy tissues. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the effects of piperine on intestinal damage.
Methods: In this study, mice were divided into eight groups: including the control, piperine (10,
25, and 50 mg/kg), radiation (6 Gy), and piperine+radiation (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg + 6 Gy) groups.
The radioprotective effects of piperine were evaluated by biochemical (MDA, GSH, and PC) and
histopathological assessments in colon tissues.
Results: The 10 mg/kg dose of piperine significantly reduced the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers
compared to the group that received only radiation. In addition, pre-treatment with 10
mg/kg piperine diminished the histopathological changes like vascular congestion in the submucosa,
while the dose of 50 mg/kg led to the infiltration of inflammatory cells.
Conclusion: Based on this study, it is concluded that piperine, at low dose, with its antioxidant
properties, could reduce the colon damage caused by radiation.
