Inhibitory effect of some local medicinal plants on in-vitro oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein

Authors

Abstract

Background
Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated in atherogenesis. Antioxidants that prevent LDL oxidation may reduce atherosclerosis.
Methods
The antioxidant activity of 45 extracts from 15 locally used medicinal plants were studied in-vitro employing using three different systems; the DPPH (1,1-diphenyle-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion generated in Xanthine–Xanthine oxidase (X-XOD) system and the LDL oxidation induced by cupper ions.
Results
It was observed that the leaf extracts of olive, Jew's mallow, celery, the seed extract of celery and safflower, and ginger extracts had the highest antioxidant activity in the three assays.
Conclusion
It could be concluded that these plant extracts could play an important role in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in biological systems through their antioxidant, metal chelating, and free radical scavenging activities.

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