BRAIN ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF PIPER CUBEBA L. EXTRACTS AND ESSENTIAL OIL

Abstract

This study aimed to discover the antioxidant properties of Piper cubeba extract and essential oil in rats' brains. Antioxidant activity of P. cubeba's 96% ethanol extract (PC96), 70% ethanol extract (PC70), and essential oil (PO) was tested based on lipid peroxide, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the brain. The rats were given the samples for a week p.o, then the following day, the brain was collected. The metabolite content of the extract was analysed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The result showed that PC96, PC70, and PO could significantly inhibit the lipid peroxidase in rat's brain (p < 0.01). This activity was in line with the decrease in NO concentrations in all groups. However, there was no effect of P. cubeba on the SOD despite increased CAT activity. Overall, P. cubeba showed antioxidant activities in the brain, especially the 96% ethanol extract, therefore worth being developed as a neuroprotective agent.