Phytother Res. 2005 Mar;19(3):216-21. Antioxidant activity of DHC-1, an herbal formulation, in experimentally-induced cardiac and renal damage. Bafna PA, Balaraman R. Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The M.S. University of Baroda, Baroda -390 001, Gujarat, India.
DHC-1, an herbal formulation derived from the popular plants Bacopa monniera, Emblica officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mangifera indica and Syzygium aromaticum was studied for its antioxidant activity. The protective effect of DHC-1 in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and cisplatin-induced renal damage were studied. A significant reduction in the serum markers of heart and kidney damage and the extent of lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in the enzymatic (SOD and CAT) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione) were observed in DHC-1 pretreated animals compared with the isoproterenol or cisplatin alone treated animals. Thus it can be concluded that DHC-1 possesses a protective effect against both damaged heart and kidneys in rats. This beneficial effect may be attributed, at least in part, to its antioxidant activity. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t PMID: 15934019 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] J Appl Toxicol. 2005 May-Jun;25(3):218-23. Antioxidant property of Nigella sativa (black cumin) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) in rats during aflatoxicosis. Abdel-Wahhab MA, Aly SE. Food Toxicology and Contaminants Dept., National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Aflatoxins, a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic to different animal species. Nigella sativa (black cumin) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of these volatile oils to scavenge free radicals generated during aflatoxicosis. Sixty male rats were divided into six treatment groups, including a control group, and the groups were treated for 30 days with Nigella sativa and Syzygium aromaticum oils with or without aflatoxin. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experimental period for haematological and biochemical analysis. The results indicated that exposure to aflatoxins resulted in haematological and biochemical changes typical for aflatoxicosis. Treatment with Nigella sativa and Syzygium aromaticum oil of rats fed an aflatoxin-contaminated diet resulted in significant protection against aflatoxicosis. Moreover, Nigella sativa oil was found to be more effective than Syzygium aromaticum oil in restoring the parameters that were altered by aflatoxin in rats. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd PMID: 15856529 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
