Antioxidant Properties of Solenostemma argel Effervescent Tablets

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, Solenostemma argel effervescent tablets were prepared from Argel methanolic extract. METHODS: The tablets were examined for their ability to impede carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced lipid peroxidation in mice liver. The antioxidant activities of the enzymes; super-oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GS-PX) along with malondialdehyde level were tested in liver tissues. RESULTS: The obtained results indicated that the antioxidant enzyme activities were remarkably reduced while the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), which shows lipid peroxidation, and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (a liver function test) were remarkably intensified following intra-peritoneal i.p injection with the single sub-lethal hepatotoxic dose of CCl4 compared to the control. A necrotic lesion in the liver of mice injected with CCl4 was observed by the histopathological examination. The damaging influence of CCl4 was improved by the retreatment with Argel or BHT, which could also be observed in the normal appearance of the liver tissue. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was concluded that S. Argel and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) could be effective by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, Argel might be applied as a hepatoprotective agent without any side effects.