Antioxidant efficacy of flavonoid-rich fraction from Spermacoce hispida in hyperlipidemic rats

Abstract

Phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional herbal medicinal plants have been found to play a protective role against many human chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These diseases are associated with oxidative stress caused by excess of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species. Fractions rich in flavonoids obtained from S. hispida seeds were orally administered at three different doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg BW to HFD fed rats. The antioxidant activity of a flavonoid-rich fraction was measured both in vitro and in vivo. The flavonoid-rich fraction effectively scavenged DPPH· and ABTS·+ radicals in vitro. Further, the results showed elevated activities of free radical-scavenging enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and increased levels of non-enzymic antioxidants (GSH, vitamins C and E). TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides decreased significantly in flavonoid-rich fraction treated rats compared to HFD control. Among the doses used, 40 mg/kg BW dose showed maximum effect. Thus, the results indicate that a S. hispida seed flavonoid-rich fraction possesses free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo.