Ac. Shyamala et T. Devaki, STUDIES ON PEROXIDATION IN RATS INGESTING COPPER-SULFATE AND EFFECT OF SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT WITH OCIMUM-SANCTUM, Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 20(2), 1996, pp. 113-119
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.