Effect of Rhinacanthus nasutus Extracts on the Non-Enzymic Antioxidant Status of Oxidant Induced Goat Liver Slices

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant status of three different extracts of Rhinacanthus nasutus leaves on the oxidant induced goat liver slices under in vitro conditions. The antioxidant potential of all the extracts were assessed by analysing the non-enzymic antioxidants. The extracts were also analysed for the extent of inhibition of lipid peroxidation in H₂O₂ induced goat liver slices. The results of the present study showed that the methanolic extract was found to contain highest amount of non-enzymic antioxidants followed by the aqueous extract and the chloroform extract. It is evident that Rhinacanthus nasutus leaf extracts offered efficient antioxidant defense in the goat liver slices, an in vitro model which simulates in vivo condition, when exposed to H₂O₂. Health benefits can be obtained from the leaves with decreased risk of disease as the leaves could prevent or protect the oxidative damage caused by environmentally benign oxidant hydrogen peroxide.