Assessment of Antioxidant Potential,Total Phenolics and Flavonoids of Different Solvent Fractions of Monotheca Buxifolia Fruit

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its derived fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) of fruits of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) Dc., a locally used fruit in Pakistan.MethodsDried powder of the fruit of M. buxifolia was extracted with methanol and the resultant was fractionated with solvents having escalating polarity; n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the residual soluble aqueous fraction. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated for the methanol and various fractions. These fractions were also subjected to various in vitro assays to estimate the scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and reductive ability for ferric ions and phosphomolybdate assay.ResultsThe n-butanol, aqueous and methanol fractions possessed high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compared with other fractions, and subsequently showed a pronounced scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide radicals and had a potent reductive ability on ferric ion and phosphomolybdate assay. There was a found significant correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and EC₅₀ of DPPH, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide radical and phosphomolybdate assays, whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with the hydroxyl radical and ABTS radical assay.ConclusionM. buxifolia fruit can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent damage associated with free radicals.     

Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of emblica fruit (Phyllanthus emblica L.) from six regions in China

The phenolic contents of methanolic extracts of emblica (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruit from six regions in China were measured in this work. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were also evaluated. Total phenolic content was ranged from 81.5 to 120.9 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and the flavonoid content was varied from 20.3 to 38.7 mg quecetin equivalents (QE)/g, while proanthocyanidin content was ranged from 3.7 to 18.7 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g. Among all the methanolic extracts analyzed, the Huizhou sample exhibited a significantly higher phenolic content than other samples (P<0.05). The antioxidant activities were evaluated by in vitro experiments using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion radicals, chelating ability of ferrous ion, reducing power, and inhibition capability of Fe (II)-induced lipid peroxidation, respectively. The Huizhou sample was found to have the strongest antioxidant activities in scavenging DPPH radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and had the highest reducing power, while the Chuxiong sample showed the best performance in chelating iron and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the Chuxiong sample exhibited a stronger inhibition activity of the hydroxyl radicals compared with other samples. The high correlation coefficient was existed between the phenolic content and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, but no significant correlation was found between the former and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Methanolic extracts of emblica fruit from some selected regions exhibited stronger antioxidant activities compared to those of the commercial compounds (quercetin and BHA). It might be considered as a potential plant source of antioxidants.     

Antioxidative effects of glycoprotein isolated from Solanum nigrum L

Glycoprotein from Solanum nigrum L. (SNL glycoprotein) was isolated and tested for antioxidative effects on oxygen free radicals using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activities of the SNL glycoprotein are optimal in acidic pH and up to 60 degrees C. However, it has minimal activities in the presence of EDTA, although such activities are not dependent on M(2+) ions (Ca(2+), Mn(2+), and Mg(2+)) in the presence of EDTA. Interestingly, when SNL glycoprotein was treated with deactivation agents (pronase E and NaIO(4)), the DPPH radical scavenging activity was decreased compared with the SNL glycoprotein treatment alone. The antioxidative effects of SNL glycoprotein on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical under optimal conditions revealed that SNL glycoprotein has remarkable scavenging effects on both radicals, but exhibited slightly higher scavenging effects on superoxide anion generated by the enzymatic hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system than on hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction. However, SNL glycoprotein was more effective against hydroxyl radials in cell cultures (NIH/3T3). Consequently, 20 microg/mL SNL glycoprotein has a scavenging ability against superoxide anion corresponding to that of ascorbic acid. On the other hand, its hydroxyl radical scavenging activity corresponds to 0.1 microg/mL catalase. From these results, we suggest that SNL glycoprotein has potent antioxidative potential.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of principal carotenoids available in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

A fundamental study of free radical-scavenging activity of three carotenoids purified from water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica cv. Slim leaf) by thin layer chromatography and identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS), namely violaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene, was carried out by measuring the ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radicals and by measuring their ability to inhibit red blood cell homelysis and lipid peroxidation. From the results obtained, it can be seen that the three carotenoids, in the range of 0-8 μg/mL, possessed significant antioxidant activity which increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Among them, violaxanthin, a 5,6-epoxycarotenoid, presented the excellent scavenging capacity, and the IC₅₀ values were 8.77, 3.38, 5.06 and 4.25 μg/mL for each assay, respectively. β-Carotene showed highest scavenging percentage in DPPH free radical assay, whereas violaxanthin was most efficient in the other three assays, the results observed suggested that the relationship between structure and antioxidant activities in vitro was complex, epoxidation of the 5,6-ring may improve the antioxidative activities of the carotenoid in the four detected assays in vitro except the quenching of DPPH radicals.     

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Cyperus rotundus

Cyperus rotundus (Family Cyperaceae) is used both as a functional food and as a drug. In this study, the antioxidative potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of C. rotundus (CRE) was evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion systems, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging. We further evaluated the reducing potential of the extract as well as Fe(2+)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. These various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, tocopherol, L-ascorbic acid, and catechin. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of CRE was also determined by a colorimetric method. The extract exhibited high reduction capability and powerful free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH and superoxide anions as well as a moderate effect on NO. CRE also showed inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate induced by Fe(2+)/ascorbate and prevented deoxyribose degradation in both non-site-specific and site-specific assays showing the hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating activity of the hydroalcoholic extract. Moreover, the peroxidation inhibiting activity of CRE was demonstrated in the linoleic acid emulsion system. These results clearly established the antioxidative potency of C. rotundus, which may account for some of the medical claims attributed to this plant.     

The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Sonchus oleraceus L. extracts

This study investigated in vitro antioxidant activity of Sonchus oleraceus L. by extraction solvent, which were examined by reducing power, hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity(HRSA) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. 70% MeOH extract had the greatest reducing power while EtOH extract had the greatest HRSA. The antioxidant activity of S. oleraceus extracts was concentration dependent and its IC₅₀ values ranged from 47.1 to 210.5 µg/ml and IC₅₀ of 70% MeOH, boiling water and 70% EtOH extracts were 47.1, 52.7 and 56.5 µg/ml, respectively. 70% MeOH extract of S. oleraceus contained the greatest amount of both phenolic and flavonoid contents. The extracts tested had greater nitrite scavenging effects at lower pH conditions. The cytotoxic activity showed that EtOH extract had the best activity against the growth of stomach cancer cell. These results suggest that S. oleraceus extract could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants.     

Radical scavenging activity of flavonoids from Trollius chinensis Bunge

Objective

Flos trollii is considered as functional tea, as well as a traditional medicinal herb, in China. In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Flos trollii were determined by a colorimetric method. The antioxidative potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Flos trollii (FTE, extracted by alcohol:water, 80:20) was also evaluated by various antioxidant assays.

Methods

Chemiluminescence technique was used to determine the radical scavenging activities of FTE toward different reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anion (O_-2·), hydroxyl radical (OH·), lipid-derived radicals (R·), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂).

Results

FTE could effectively scavenge O_-2·, OH·, R·, and ¹O₂ at an efficient concentration (EC₅₀) of 46, 5.64, 5.19, and 3.97 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the radical scavenging activities of FTE were higher than those of ascorbic acid. Further, FTE had higher 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity with EC₅₀ 44 mg/mL, compared with butylated hydroxytoluenesynthetic antioxidant with EC₅₀ 52 mg/mL.

Conclusion

All results indicated that FTE is a powerful antioxidant, deserving of better utilization of the extracted Flos trollii as antioxidants.     

In vitro antioxidant activity of two molluscs, Loligo duvauceli Orbigny and Donax cuneatus Linnaeus, by solvent extraction methods

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant activity of solvent extracts prepared from two Indian molluscs viz., Loligo duvauceli Orbigny and Donax cuneatus Linnaeus. For this purpose, several tests were used such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), reducing ability and total antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate extract of Loligo duvauceli showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (58%), reducing ability and antioxidant activity (64%) compared to other extracts. All the extracts showed concentration-dependent activity, and increase in concentration increased the antioxidant activities. Therefore, solvent extracts of L. duvauceli and D. cuneatus are rich sources of antioxidants that justify their wide use as natural antioxidants and points out other possible therapeutical uses in the different diseases produced by free radicals.     

Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions of Doenjang in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESFermentation can increase functional compounds in fermented soybean products, thereby improving antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the changes in the contents of phenolics and isoflavones, antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of Doenjang during fermentation and aging.MATERIALS/METHODSDoenjang was made by inoculating Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus licheniformis in soybeans, fermenting and aging for 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months (D1, D3, D6, D8, and D12). Doenjang was extracted using ethanol, and sequentially fractioned by hexane, dichloromethane (DM), ethylacetate (EA), n-butanol, and water. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and isoflavones, 2,2-diphenyl-1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured. Anti-inflammatory effects in terms of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were also measured using LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.RESULTSTotal phenolic and flavonoid contents showed a gradual increase during fermentation and 6 months of aging and were sustained thereafter. DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP were increased by fermentation. FRAP was further increased by aging, but DPPH radical scavenging activity was not. Total isoflavone and glycoside contents decreased during fermentation and the aging process, while aglycone content and its proportion increased up to 3 or 6 months of aging and then showed a slow decrease. DM and EA fractions of Doenjang showed much higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and DPPH radical scavenging activity than the others. At 100 µg/mL, DM and EA fractions of D12 showed strongly suppressed NO production to 55.6% and 52.5% of control, respectively, and PGE2 production to 25.0% and 28.3% of control with inhibition of iNOS or COX-2 protein expression in macrophages.CONCLUSIONSTwelve month-aged Doenjang has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with high levels of phenolics and isoflavone aglycones, and can be used as a beneficial food for human health.     

Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of Melissa officinalis L. extracts

The aromatic herb Melissa officinalis L. can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants and as a possible food supplement and as a phytochemical. Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water extracts of M. officinalis L. extracts were investigated. The results of antioxidative activity, obtained by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, confirmed that investigated extracts suppressed the formation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and lipid peroxyl radicals in all investigated systems in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities (SA(DPPH) = SA(OH) = 100%) were achieved in the presence of n-butanol extract at concentrations of 0.4 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The highest lipid peroxyl scavenging activity (93.20%) was observed at a higher concentration (5 mg/mL) of n-butanol extract in the lipid peroxidation system. The most effective antibacterial activities were expressed by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts on Sarcina lutea. Chloroform extract showed the strongest antiproliferative effect with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 0.09 mg/mL and 0.10 mg/mL for HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The present study demonstrated the high phenolic content and radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis L. originating from Serbia.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones as free radical scavengers

The allylation of aminocoumarins in the presence of excess of anhydrous K₂CO₃ and allyl bromide to diallylaminocoumarins is described. The Ring Closing Metathesis reaction of the later with the Grubbs’ 1rst generation catalyst under reflux or MW irradiation has resulted mainly to (2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)coumarins and (1H-pyrrol-1-yl)coumarins. The new compounds were tested in vitro for their ability: (i) to interact with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical, (ii) to inhibit lipid peroxidation, (iii) to scavenge the superoxide anion, (iv) to inhibit the activity of soybean lipoxygenase LO and (v) to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Most of them were found to be potent lipid peroxidation inhibitors in vitro. The majority of the compounds showed significant hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Compounds 11a and 12c presenting higher LO inhibitory activity as well as compound 17 were found to present a promising antioxidant and LO inhibitory profile.     

Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of extracts from Cirsium japonicum roots

This study investigated the antioxidant activity of methanol (MeOH) and water extracts from roots of Cirsium japonicum in vitro. MeOH extract showed a stronger free radical scavenging activity than water extract. However, both of extracts showed a concentration dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, reducing power and metal chelating ability. MeOH extract had greater phenolic and flavonoid contents than water extract. The antidiabetic activity of these two extracts was evaluated by the α-glucosidase inhibition assay. The water extract showed a considerable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this may be the first time to report the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in Cirsium japonicum roots.     

The antioxidant properties of garlic compounds: allyl cysteine, alliin, allicin, and allyl disulfide

Garlic and garlic extracts, through their antioxidant activities, have been reported to provide protection against free radical damage in the body. This study investigated antioxidant properties of garlic compounds representing the four main chemical classes, alliin, allyl cysteine, allyl disulfide, and allicin, prepared by chemical synthesis or purification. Alliin scavenged superoxide, while allyl cysteine and allyl disulfide did not react with superoxide. Allicin suppressed the formation of superoxide by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, probably via a thiol exchange mechanism. Alliin, allyl cysteine, and allyl disulfide all scavenged hydroxyl radicals; the rate constants calculated based on deoxyribose competitive assay were 1.4-1.7 x 10(10), 2.1-2.2 x 10(9), and 0.7-1.5 x 10(10) M (1) second(1), respectively. Contrary to previous reports, allicin did not exhibit hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in this study. Alliin, allicin, and allyl cysteine did not prevent induced microsomal lipid peroxidation, but both alliin and allyl cysteine were hydroxyl scavengers, and allyl disulfide was a lipid peroxidation terminator. In summary, our findings indicated that allyl disulfide, alliin, allicin, and allyl cysteine exhibit different patterns of antioxidant activities as protective compounds against free radical damage.     

Antioxidant and Antifatigue Activities of Polygonatum Alte-lobatum Hayata Rhizomes in Rats

Polygonatum alte-lobatum Hayata, a rhizomatous perennial herb, belongs to the Liliaceae family and is endemic to Taiwan. We investigated the antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities of P. alte-lobatum in exercised rats. Levels of polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity were measured in extracts of P. alte-lobatum (EPA). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups for 8-week treatment with vehicle (control) and low-, medium-, and high-dose EPA (LEPA, MEPA, HEPA; 0, 75, 150, and 375 mg/kg/day, respectively). Exercise performance was evaluated by exhaustive treadmill exercise time and by changes in body composition and biochemical variables at the end of the experiment. EPA contained polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides, with polysaccharide content at least 26 times greater than that of polyphenols and flavonoids. Trend analysis revealed that EPA dose-dependently scavenged DPPH free radicals. EPA treatment dose-dependently increased endurance running time to exhaustion and superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant ability of blood. EPA dose-dependently decreased serum urea nitrogen and malondialdehyde levels after exercise. Hepatic glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise, was significantly increased with EPA treatment. EPA could be a potential agent with an anti-fatigue pharmacological function.     

Radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of commonly used herbs and spices in Korea

Herbs and spices not only variety and racy flavour to Korean foods, they also are the richest source for antioxidant power. The present study evaluates the radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from commonly used herbs and spices in Korea. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities of bay extract were 39.5% and 22.1%, respectively. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was in order of dill (50.0%) > bay (31.3%) > garlic (27.9%) > white pepper and black pepper (15.1–15.3%) > onion (10.1%) extracts. Bay extract had the highest total phenolic content (17.86 μg CE/g). High correlation coefficients were found between the total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity (R = 0.9162). These results indicate that herbs and spices had high antioxidant activity that is partly due to the phenolic compounds and provide basic data for further development of processed food products.     

Carbohydrase inhibition and anti-cancerous and free radical scavenging properties along with DNA and protein protection ability of methanolic root extracts of Rumex crispus

The study elucidated carbohydrase inhibition, anti-cancerous, free radical scavenging properties and also investigated the DNA and protein protection abilities of methanolic root extract of Rumex crispus (RERC). For this purpose, pulverized roots of Rumex crispus was extracted in methanol (80% and absolute conc.) for 3 hrs for 60℃ and filtered and evaporated with vacuum rotary evaporator. RERC showed high phenolic content (211 µg/GAE equivalent) and strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 42.86 (absolute methanol) and 36.91 µg/mL (80% methanolic extract)) and reduced power ability. Furthermore, RERC exhibited significant protective ability in H₂O₂/Fe³⁺/ascorbic acid-induced protein or DNA damage and percentage inhibition of the HT-29 cell growth rate following 80% methanolic RERC exposure at 400 µg/mL was observed to be highest (10.2% ± 1.03). Moreover, methanolic RERC inhibited α-glucosidase and amylase effectively and significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusively, RERC could be considered as potent carbohydrase inhibitor, anti-cancerous and anti-oxidant.     

Study on the antioxidant activity of tea flowers (Camellia sinensis)

Major chemical compounds in different extracts from tea flowers (Camellia sinensis) were analyzed. Distilled water or 70% ethanol extracts were then fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Each extract fraction was tested its scavenging activities on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl free radicals. The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol-extract of tea flower (EEA) exhibited the highest quenching activity to hydroxyl radicals (SC50 11.6 mug/ml), followed by ethanol-extract (EE) of tea flower (SC50 19.7 microg/ml). Same tea flower extract showed big different scavenging activities on different free radicals. EEA quenched 80% of hydroxyl radicals generated by Fenton's reaction, however, only 40% of DPPH radical was scavenged in the Fe (II)-H2O2 -luminol system. The contents of flavones, polyphenols and catechins in EE and EEA fractions were higher than those in other fractions. We suggest that the stronger scavenging abilities to free radicals might be due to polyphenols, EGCG, ECG and flavones. However, the water extracts of tea flower and their fractions showed lower antioxidant activity for their inhibitory effect on hydroxyl radicals and DPPH radicals.     

In vitro neuroprotective effects of the leaf and fruit extracts of Juglans regia L. (walnut) through enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease and antioxidant activity

Several extracts of the leaves and fruits of Juglans regia L. were assessed for their neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase methods. Anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the enzymes vital for Alzheimer's disease, at 50, 100 and 200 μg ml^{? 1}. Antioxidant activity was tested using radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD), superoxide (SO), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radicals, as well as ferric ion-chelating capacity, ferric- and phosphomolybdenum-reducing antioxidant power at 500, 1000 and 2000 μg ml^{? 1}. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification of the extracts was calculated. The extracts scavenged DPPH radical in varying degrees; however, they did not scavenge DPMD and H₂O₂. Only the dichloromethane and water extracts were able to quench SO (10.09 ± 1.38%) and NO (24.09 ± 2.19%) radicals, respectively, at low level. The extracts showed either low or no BChE inhibition and no AChE inhibition.     

Radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of commonly used herbs and spices in Korea

Herbs and spices not only variety and racy flavour to Korean foods, they also are the richest source for antioxidant power. The present study evaluates the radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of hot water extracts from commonly used herbs and spices in Korea. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities of bay extract were 39.5% and 22.1%, respectively. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was in order of dill (50.0%) > bay (31.3%) > garlic (27.9%) > white pepper and black pepper (15.1-15.3%) > onion (10.1%) extracts. Bay extract had the highest total phenolic content (17.86?μg CE/g). High correlation coefficients were found between the total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity (R?=?0.9162). These results indicate that herbs and spices had high antioxidant activity that is partly due to the phenolic compounds and provide basic data for further development of processed food products.     

Citrus medica “Otroj”: Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Dysrhythmia in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

Citrus medica L. commonly known as Otroj, is an important medicinal plant reputed for its nutritious and therapeutic uses. The present work was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of otroj (EEOT) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the phenolic and flavonoidal contents were determined. Rats were administered EETO (250 and 500 mg/kg) or vehicle orally for 15 days along with ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) on the 14th and 15th day. ISO induced cardiac dysfunction, increased lipid peroxidation and alteration of myocyte-injury specific marker enzymes. ISO also showed an increase in levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Moreover, the histological investigations showed myocardial necrosis and inflammation. EETO treatment brought the above parameters towards normal level. Moreover, in vitro DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid tests of the EEOT exhibited a notable antioxidant activity in both assays used. In addition, histopathological examination reconfirmed the protective effects of EEOT. Thus, the present study reveals that C. medica alleviates myocardial damage in ISO-induced cardiac injury and demonstrates cardioprotective potential which could be attributed to its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.