Evaluation of the protective effect of total extracts of burdock and sage in irradiated wheat seeds

Aim. The aim of the study was to obtain total extracts from sage leaves (Salvia officinalis L.) and burdock roots (Arctium lаppa) and to study their antiradiation properties in sprouts obtained from irradiated «Bereketli-95» wheat seeds. Methods. Alcohol extracts from sage leaves and burdock roots were prepared by multiple extraction. Extraction was performed with 70% ethyl alcohol in a water bath with a reflux condenser. Wheat seeds treated with aqueous solutions of total extracts were irradiated at a dose of 200 Gy using a URI (K-25) setup at a dose rate of 5.213 rad/sec. The amount of Chl a, Chl b, carotenoids and malonic dialdehyde was determined using a Multiscan GO spectrophotometer. Chlorophyll fluorescence was determined using a photosynthetic yield analyzer (Mini-pam, Germany). Results. 0.01% concentration of the total extract improves the morphological parameters of sprouts, enhances photosynthetic activity and maximum quantum yield of PS II, and reduces the yield of the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde. When comparing the therapeutic effect of the extract with the preventive one, it becomes clear that the therapeutic effect is small. Conclusions. The total extract can be used as a radioprotector for some agricultural crops growing in contaminated soils.