Effect of Cymbopogon Citratus on Oxidative Stress Markers in Erythrocytes from Postmenopausal Woman: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: Analyzing " in vitro " the antioxidant activity of the lemon grass ( Cymbopogon citratus Stapf ) over markers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes of women on postmenopausal period. Method: Total blood with anticoagulant has been collected from 28 women on postmenopausal. The plasma was discarded. The diluted erythrocyte on 5% with saline and divided in 5 groups of treatment: Group 0: erythrocytes without treatment; Group 5, 10, 25 and 50 erythrocytes treated respectively with 5, 10, 25 and 50 g/L of infusion of lemon grass, in water bath on 37°C for 1 hour. After this period the erythrocytes were hemolysated in vortex and on the supernatant were evaluated the level of the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Carbonylated Proteins (PCs) and of the Reduced Glutathione (GSH). Results: There were no significant alterations on the PCs levels of the studied groups. However the TBARS levels got reduced on the group 25 and the GSH levels got increased on the group 50. Conclusion: These results indicate that the lemon grass seems to be an effective antioxidant agent when it's used in infusions with concentration of 25 and 50 g/L.