Studies on the inhibitory effect of Strychnos nux vomica-alcohol extract on iron induced lipid peroxidation.

This report investigates the antioxidant property of Strychnos nux vomica Linn, alcohol extract on FeS04-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro. The results have been compared to those of vitamin E, parabenzoquinone, Tris, mannitol and EDTA. Tris and mannitol, the standard hydroxyl trappers failed to block this process. Interestingly EDTA, a strong metal chelator, significantly blocks the process of lipid peroxidation. S. nux vomica inhibits the lipid peroxidation in the dose dependent manner. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was reversed by adding high concentration of Fe(2+). This suggests the mechanism of action of S. nux vomica through the chelation of Fe(++)/Fe(+++) ion in the system and not by trapping the hydroxyl radicals. This extract significantly maintains the hepatic glutathione content also in the time and dose dependent manner even in the presence of FeSO(4), which is not the case with EDTA. It also inhibits the process of lipid peroxidation once induced.