In Vitro and in Vivo evaluation of free-radical scavenging potential of Cissus quadrangularis

Abstract

The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis (L.) (CQE) against free-radical damage. The test extract exhibited significant scavenging effect on DPPH free radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical production, and inhibition of lipid peroxide production in erythrocytes. The free-radical scavenging effect of CQE was comparable with that of reference antioxidants. The activities of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat liver homogenate were assessed in CCl 4 - and CQE-treated animals. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) caused a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDL) levels and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione- S -transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities, which were reverted by CQE treatment. The results obtained suggest that CQE showed antilipid peroxidative, free-radical scavenging property and ameliorated the liver damage by an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities. It can be concluded that the free-radical scavenging/antioxidant activity of the plant extract may be responsible for the therapeutic action against tissue damage. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Ltd.