Antioxidant potential of Viscum articulatum burm

Background: Free radical stress leads to tissue injury and progression of disease conditions such as arthritis, hemorrhagic shock, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hepatic injury, aging and ischemia, reperfusion injury of many tissues, gastritis, tumor promotion, neurodegenerative diseases, and carcinogenesis. Safer antioxidants suitable for long term use are needed to prevent or stop the progression of free radical mediated disorders. Viscum articulatum is traditionally used for various oxidative stress induced disorders including liver disorders. Aims: The present study investigated antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of Viscum articulatum in in vivo and in vitro models to provide scientific basis for the traditional usage of this plant. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by determining the ability of the extract to scavenge 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, 2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) which were assessed using spectroscopic methods. Results: The extract showed promising dose dependant free radical scavenging property in all the methods used. The extract effectively increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in the treated groups indicating in vivo antioxidant activity. The extract also effectively decreased the serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, SALP, and total protein levels compared to toxicant control rats. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate that Viscum articulatum is a potential source of antioxidant which would help in preventing many free radical mediated diseases.