STUDIES ON PEROXIDATION IN RATS INGESTING COPPER-SULFATE AND EFFECT OF SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT WITH OCIMUM-SANCTUM

This study was aimed at determining the basic biochemical changes indu ced by the toxicity of copper sulphate (CuSO4) and analyzing the detox ifying effects of Ocimum sanctum, a medicinal plant commonly used in I ndia. CuSO4 dissolved in saline was injected into rats for 30 days. De terminations of serum or tissue level of copper, lipid peroxides, iron , ferritin and antiperoxidative enzymes like SOD, CAT, GSH, GST, GPx, and ceruloplasmin were then carried out. CuSO4 toxicity manifested its elf as significantly increased production of lipid peroxides from lipi d products by a free-radical mechanism involving hydroxyl free radical s. The anti-oxidant enzyme levels were also notably increased in CuSO4 toxicity, but not to the extent of substantially reducing the hydroxy l free radicals produced by CuSO4. Ocimum sanctum administration resto red the various parameters to near their normal values.