Hepatic antioxidative potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Cynodon dactylon in Balb/c mice

A study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidative potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Cynodon dactylon in Balb/c mice. In this present study mice were divided into the two groups and each group containing 6 mice. Group I mice were orally administered with 70 mu l of DMSO and are the vehicle control for ethyl acetate fraction. Group II mice were injected with ED50 70 mu l of ethyl acetate fraction of C. dactylon. The activity of enzymic antioxidants (U/ mg of protein) such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were found to be significantly high in ethyl acetate fraction treated mice when compared to the control mice. The levels (g liver tissue) of nonenzymic antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and reduced glutathione in the ethyl acetate fraction treated mice (Vitamin A 158.224 mu g, Vitamin C 7.442 mu g, Vitamin E 5.383 mu g and reduced GSH 489.283 nmoles) was found to be significantly higher than that found in control mice. These results suggest that ethyl acetate fraction of C. dactylon has very good antioxidant and hepatic protective effect of normal oxidative stress in Balb/c mice. Currently, the importance of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many human disorders has been highlighted, thus use of this plant as an herbal medicine is highly recommended. Hereafter, trials to establish efficacy and optimum dosage of the present herbal product for treating human chronic diseases with pathophysiology of oxidative stress are essential.