Abstract

Antioxidant activity of 70% ethanolic extract of rhizome of Podophyllum hexandrum(Indian Mayapple) was investigated in rats by inducing kidney and lung injury with CCl₄. 70% ethanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the tissues by showing increased levels of proteins, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as decreased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The 70% ethanolic extract at a dose level of 20, 30 and 50 mg/kg-day, showed a dose dependent restorative activity against CCl₄-induced kidney and lung tissue damage. In our previous study 70% ethanolic extract of P. hexandrum had displayed a potent free radical scavenging activity under in vitroconditions. In the present study, the 70% ethanolic extract of P. hexandrum was effective in restoring CCl₄-intoxicated kidney and lung tissue enzymes towards normalcy in combating oxidative stress in vivo. Thus, the extract has antioxidative activity.

Key words: Antioxidants, carbon tetrachloride, Podophyllum hexandrum, GSH, catalase.