Antioxidant Properties Of Inula Racemosa, A Traditional Herbal Medicine

Abstract

Introduction-The root of Inula racemosa (local name Pushkarmool) is an effective traditional herbal medicine for ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, bronchial asthma and other diseases, where oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis. ObjectiveTo evaluate the antioxidant properties of the herb.Material and methodsThe effect of daily oral administration of alcoholic extract (as viscous residue/ resin suspended in 1% gum acacia) of Inula racemosa roots to rats for 21 days was investigated on lipid peroxide formation and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, two well established markers for oxidative stress status, in blood and liver.Results-The level of GSH in blood and liver was significantly higher in treated animals as compared to control.There was concomitant reduction in the rate of lipid peroxide formation in the blood from treated animals.ConclusionsThese observations suggest that the root of Inula racemosa has antioxidant properties that may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of herb in various diseases.