Traditional Chinese medicine: an important coping strategy with challenges of radiation injury

Abstract

People turn nervous when mention is made of radiation injuries, which cause multiple organ morbidities and are difficult to manage. However, the discovery of antiradiation drugs remains challenging. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be an effective treatment strategy because of its overall regulation. Herein, we systematically review TCM formulae, herbs, and natural products as potential antiradiation candidates. At the same time, we categorize them by their effective characteristics and target organs. In addition, TCM formulae, herbs, and ingredients used to block the absorption and accelerate the excretion of radionuclides are considered in this review. To better manage radiation injuries, the scientific basis of TCM for radioprotection requires further in-depth research.

Keywords

Antiradiation / Formulas / Herbs / Ingredients / Radiation injury / Traditional Chinese medicine

Conflict of interest statement

Yue Gao is the editorial board member of this journal and other author declare no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ZYYCXTD-D-202207), the Young Scholar Science Foundation of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2022A304), and the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM-2019-QNRC2-B01).

Author contributions

Shuai Shao drafted the manuscript. Yue Gao designed and revised the manuscript. All the authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Ethical approval of studies and informed consent

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

None.

Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

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Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine