The potential effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrizha Roxb) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a radioprotective agent against 6 Gy total body irradiation in rats

The main impact of gamma radiation on a biological system is the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals. The study aimed to explore the potential effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrizha Roxb) and garlic (Allium sativum L) against 6 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) in rats by observing malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and comet assay. Twenty male rats were divided into five groups: control, 6 Gy, temulawak extract+6 Gy, garlic extract+6 Gy, and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC)+6 Gy. MDA and GSH were measured on liver and spleen tissue homogenates, while comet assay was on lymphocyte cells. Gamma irradiation at 6 Gy significantly increased the MDA level and comet assay compared to the control group, while the GSH level decreased (p < 0.05). Temulawak extract significantly reduced MDA levels and comet assay compared to the 6 Gy group, while GSH levels in the liver increased. Garlic extract significantly drops comet assay while increasing GSH levels in the liver. NAC decreases MDA levels in the liver and comet assay while increasing GSH levels in the spleen. It could be concluded that temulawak extract has a better radioprotective agent than garlic extract and is almost identical to NAC as a standard antioxidant.