Protective Effect of Silymarin on Erythrocyte Haemolysate Against Benzo(a)Pyrene and Exogenous Reactive Oxygen Species (H sub(2)O sub(2)) Induced Oxidative Stress

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 68; no. 8; p. 1511
• Main Authors: Kiruthiga, P V, Shafreen, RBeema, Pandian, SKarutha, Arun, S, Govindu, S, Devi, KPandima
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2007
• ISSN: 0045-6535
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.03.015

The in vitro antioxidant properties and protective effects of silymarin in human erythrocyte haemolysates against benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], a potent carcinogenic chemical, were examined. It was observed that specific activity of antioxidant enzymes was significantly decreased and the malondialdehyde levels were elevated when haemolysates were incubated with [B(a)P]. The protective effect of silymarin was elucidated by the significant reversal of the antioxidant enzymes and reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde. Haemolysates were incubated with [B(a)P] for 45 min and the [B(a)P] metabolite, 3-hydroxy benzo(IT>apyrene was detected using HPLC. It was suggested that silymarin possess substantial protective effect and free radical scavenging mechanism against environmental contaminants induced oxidative stress damages.