Hydroxyl scavenging activity accounts for differential antioxidant protection of Plantago major against oxidative toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to study the effects of P. major against the oxidative damage of isolated rat liver mitochondria.

METHODS

The extracts were obtained using methanol (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EAc), dichloromethane (DCM), and hexane (Hex) as solvents.

RESULTS

Hex, DCM, and EAc totally, and MeOH partially, inhibited ROS generation and lipid peroxidation of membranes induced by Fe(2+) or t-BOOH. However, only MeOH was able to prevent the t-BOOH-induced glutathione and NAD(P)H oxidation. All extracts chelated Fe(2+) and reduced DPP Hradicals. EPR analysis revealed that P. major exhibited potent scavenger activity for hydroxyl radicals.

CONCLUSIONS

The potent antioxidant activity exhibited by P. major was able to prevent oxidative mitochondrial damage, contributing to the understanding of its hepatoprotective action against ROS-mediated toxicity.