Protective and therapeutic effects of plant extracts on radiation-induced lung injury:present status and future prospects

Radiation-induced lung injury(RILI) is a common complication of thoracic radiotherapy, including pneumonitis and the latter fibrosis. It had great impact on long term quality of life and could result in fatal respiratory insufficiency. At present the usual method for it are corticosteroids and cytokine inhibitor. But the side effects of such drugs were also evident. Therefore, identification of safer and more effective radioprotectants for radiation-induced lung injury is urgently required. Fortunately, a great deal of research shows that plant extracts can be great potential for the treatment of RILI. Herein, we review the literature on plant extracts treatment of radiation-induced lung injury. Plant extracts generally have little toxicity and vast pharmacological apllications. This review creates a solid foundation upon which to further study the efficacy of plants that are both currently used as reduce radiation-induced lung injury medicines.