In vivo antioxidant effects of Aralia elata Seemann ethanol extract administered with benzo~(a) pyrene

摘要

This study has examined the effects of Aralia elata Seemann ethanol extract on antioxidant enzyme systems in rats along with benzo(#alpha#)pyrene (B#alpha#P) administration. The ethanol extract of Aralia elate Seemann (50 mg/kg body wt.) was fed to rats for 4 weeks by stomach tubing. The extract administration increased antioxidant activities of glutathione sulfur transferase (GST) comparing to the control. Also total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Cu, Zn-SOD activities were stimulated. Catalase activities were increased by 50% with the extract feeding compared to the control. Combined administration of B(#alpha#)P and the extract increased GST activity in B(#alpha#)P group. Although total SOD activity was decreased, Cu,Zn-SOD was greatly increased from 0.10 unit to 0.18 unit and catalase activity also was increased compared to the group of B(#alpha#)P. GST activity in CLE group was 1.32 unit, increased by 33% comparing to the group CL of 0.99 unit. Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase activities in the group fed high fat and ethanol extracts were increased by 25% and 39%, respectively comparing to the group of high fat. In addition, total SOD was decreased but, Cu,Zn-SOD activity was increased from 0.09 unit to 0.18 unit. Catalase activity was 76.05 unit in the group of B(#alpha#)P and extract comparing to 65.26 units in B(#alpha##)P group. Serum #alpha#-tocopherol of rat was markedly increased by the extract. Administration of B(#alpha#)P reduced #alpha#-tocopherol levels in the serum, on the other hand, lard in the diet increased #alpha#-tocopherol levels in the serum. The above results indicate that Aralia bud exerts antioxidant functions in vivo against B(#alpha#)P. Further research may be necessary for the identification of the biologically active material.