CENTELLA ASIATICA (LINN.) URBAN AMELIORATES OXIDATIVE STRESS ON ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE
Abstract
The effect of Centella asiatica on erythrocyte membrane under normal and oxidative stressed condition was investigated in the present study. 100% ethanol, 50% ethanol and water extract of Centella asiatica were screened for in vivo study by in vitro hypotonia-induced and time dependant H2O2-induced antihemolytic activity assay. During in vivo study, test group rats (n=7) were orally administered with 50% ethanol extract of Centella asiatica at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks while control group rats were administered with normal saline. Then, levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) of erythrocyte ghost membrane from control and test group rats were estimated under normal and in vitro H2O2-induced oxidative stressed condition. All of the three extract prevent hypotonic solution induced hemolysis while 50% ethanol extract showed highest H2O2-induced antihemolytic activity in a time dependant manner. The LPO levels of the erythrocyte ghost membrane under H2O2-induced oxidative stressed condition were significantly decreased as a result of C. asiatica administration but not in normal condition. Therefore, the extract of C. asiatica has the ability to ameliorate oxidative stress on erythrocytes membrane at least upon oxidative challenge.