Antioxidant activity of areca catechu extracts in human hepatocarcinoma hepg2 cell lines

Abstract

The effect of aqueous and various organic extracts from the different parts of Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae) on oxidative DNA damage in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells was investigated using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. Comparison of a series of organic extracts from the nut husk and different parts of this plant was performed. Incubation of methanol extract of Areca nut husk showed a dose-dependent inhibition of comet formation while other solvent extracts did not. Significant protection of H 2O2-induced DNA damage was observed at 0.1% w/v concentration which was at the same level of protection by 1 μM butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The age of Areca catechu nut husk also played important role in chemical constituents exhibiting antioxidation since only two out of five different ages of husks displayed anti-oxidative effects in the comet assay. Among the different parts of this plant that were tested, the nut husk was the only consistent part that demonstrated antioxidant activity. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.