Effect of Vitex negundo leaf extract on the free radicals scavengers in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats

Abstract

The effect of the oral administration of Vitex negundo leaf extract on the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were studied in the adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rats. The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PD, GSH and Vit-C were estimated in various groups of the experimental rats. It was observed that the antioxidant enzyme levels in the AIA were significantly low when compared to normal rats. A significant decrease in enzymic antioxidant - SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PD and non-enzymic antioxidant - GSH, Vit-C were observed in the liver of AIA rats compared to the normal rats. These results suggest that the leaf extract of Vitex negundo possesses antioxidant activity.