Beneficial effect of extracts of Premna integrifolia root on human leucocytes and erythrocytes against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage

Background: Oxidative damage as a result of an increase in the free radical load and/or decrease in the efficiency of the antioxidant systems has been implicated in many human diseases. Premna integrifolia (Verbenaceae) is an important woody, medicinal plant and has a prominent place in Ayurvedha, Siddha and Unani system of medicines. Traditionally, it has been used for various antioxidant related disorders. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of extracts of P. integrifolia root on human leucocytes and erythrocytes against hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) induced oxidative damage. Materials and Methods: Chloroform:methanol (1:1) extract of P. integrifolia (CMEPI) and aqueous extract of P. integrifolia roots were used to accessed catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in H 2 O 2 induced oxidative damage. Results: Results of the present study revealed that, there was an increase in the CAT, SOD, GPx and reduction of the GSH and LPO levels in H 2 O 2 group compared with the control. P. integrifolia root extract treated groups showed the reduction of CAT, SOD, GPx and increased in the GSH and LPO levels as compared with H 2 O 2 group. CMEPI was found to be more effective than aqueous. Conclusion: The present study suggests that, extracts of P. integrifolia root possess beneficial effect on human leucocytes and erythrocytes against H 2 O 2 induced oxidative damage which has substantiated their use in ethnomedicine as an antioxidant. Observed effect can be attributed due to the flavonoid and phenol contents in the plant. Furthermore, in-vitro and in-vivo studies are needed to explore its effects on antioxidant system of the body for proving its clinical safety, reliability and efficacy.