Abstract
Free iron typically leads to the formation of excess free radicals, and additional iron deposition in the liver contributes to the oxidative pathologic processes of liver disease. Many pharmacological properties of the insectivorous plant Drosera burmannii Vahl. have been reported in previous studies; however, there is no evidence of its antioxidant or hepatoprotective potential against iron overload. The antioxidant activity of 70% methanolic extract of D. burmannii (DBME) was evaluated. DBME showed excellent DPPH, hydroxyl, hypochlorous, superoxide, singlet oxygen, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. A substantial iron chelation (IC50 = 40.90 ± 0.31 μg/ml) and supercoiled DNA protection ([P]50 = 50.41 ± 0.55 μg) were observed. DBME also displayed excellent in vivo hepatoprotective activity in iron-overloaded Swiss albino mice compared to the standard desirox treatment. Administration of DBME significantly normalized serum enzyme levels and restored liver antioxidant enzymes levels. DBME lowered the raised levels of liver damage parameters, also reflected from the morphological analysis of the liver sections. DBME also reduced liver iron content by 115.90% which is also seen by Perls’ staining. A phytochemical analysis of DBME confirms the presence of various phytoconstituents, including phenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids and ascorbic acid. Alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids were abundantly found in DBME. An HPLC analysis of DBME revealed the presence of purpurin, catechin, tannic acid, reserpine, methyl gallate and rutin. Purpurin, tannic acid, methyl gallate and rutin displayed excellent iron chelation but exhibited cytotoxicity toward normal (WI-38) cells; while DBME found to be non-toxic to the normal cells. These findings suggest that the constituents present in DBME contributed to its iron chelation activity. Additional studies are needed to determine if DBME can be used as a treatment for iron overload diseases.
Highlights
Free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), play a significant role in the early onset of oxidative stress and are capable of damaging biologically relevant molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and plasma membrane lipids [1]
high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) grade acetonitrile, ammonium acetate, hydrogen peroxide, potassium hexacyanoferrate, Folin-ciocalteu reagent, sodium carbonate, mercuric chloride, potassium iodide, anthrone, vanillin, thiourea, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), sodium hypochlorite, aluminum chloride, xylenol orange, butylated hydroxyltoluene (BHT), N,N- dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline ammonium iron (II) sulfatehexahydrate [(NH4)2Fe (SO4)26H2O], 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), chloramine-T, hydroxylamine hydrochloride and Dimethyl-4-aminobenzaldehyde were procured from Merck, Mumbai, India. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferritin, methyl gallate, tannic acid, rutin, gallic acid, (+) catechin and curcumin were obtained from MP Biomedicals, France
We found that DBME possesses an excellent dose-dependent scavenging activity for the DPPH radical (Fig 1B) and showed a promising reducing power
Summary
Free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), play a significant role in the early onset of oxidative stress and are capable of damaging biologically relevant molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and plasma membrane lipids [1]. Antioxidants are vital for the human body due to their ability to combat oxidative damage [2]. Iron is a metal that is needed by all mammalian cells for growth and survival [3]; its extreme deposition can increase oxidative stress in the liver and lead to further injuries, such as hepatocellular necrosis [4], inflammation [5], fibrosis [6,7] and cancer [8]. The human body is largely dependent on the liver for the facilitation of many vital biochemical pathways that manage growth, nutrient supply, energy provision, reproduction and defense [9]. Liver damage (hepatotoxicity) caused by iron overload hinders these processes and can result in serious health problems [10]. The scientific community continues to search for a raw material or isolated natural product that can act as an antioxidant and iron chelator without adverse effects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
