Authors : Tariq Al-Qirim , Syed M. Zaidi , Moyad Shahwan , Ghassan Shattat and Naheed Banu
Abstract: In the present study, the antioxidant potential of Solanum nigrum leaves extract was evaluated on the modulation of restraint induced oxidative stress. Rats were treated with crude extract of S. nigrum alone and both before (pre-extract stress treated) and after (post-extract stress treated) 6 h of stress exposure. Pro-oxidant effect of rat plasma was evaluated by determining the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and the levels of glucose, uric acid and lipid peroxidation (MDA). About 6 h of restraint stress caused a significant decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT and GST and the level of glucose, while increase in the levels of MDA and uric acid. The post treatment of crude extract was found more effective in restoring restraint stress induced changes in rat plasma than pre treatment. In order to reduce oxidative stress, observed in many pathological conditions, the S. nigrum leaves extract can be given both as a prophylactic and therapeutic supplement for scavenging free radicals.
Tariq Al-Qirim , Syed M. Zaidi , Moyad Shahwan , Ghassan Shattat and Naheed Banu , 2008. Effect of Solanum nigrum on Immobilization Stress Induced Antioxidant Defense Changes in Rat . Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 1426-1429.