EFFECT OF THE HERBAL MIXTURE MAK-4 ON ORGAN FUNCTIONS IN WHHL RABBITS

Free radicals can cause cellular damage leading to organ damage or dys function. Antioxidants have been investigated as a means of preventing free-radical-induced damage. The herbal mixture known as Maharishi Am rit Kalash-4 (MAK-4) has previously been shown to have potent antioxid ant properties. The present study assessed the organ-protective effect s of MAK-4 which was fed to Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic (WHHL) r abbits. The control group (n = 5) was fed normal rabbit chow and the e xperimental group (n = 6) was fed 6% (w/w) MAK-4-supplemented chow, fo r 6 months. Blood specimens were drawn from the ear vein at the start of the experiment before MAK-4 was given, and after 2, 4, and 6 months of MAK-4 ingestion. Twenty-four-hour urines were collected between th e 25th and 26th week. Various biochemical parameters were assessed, in cluding tests for liver function, kidney function, pancreatic function , enzymes, and other tests for tissue damage. Results showed that albu min, fibrinogen, and total protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05 ) in the MAK-4 group compared to the control group. Gamma glutamyl tra nsferase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MM isoenzyme, and lipid per oxide were significantly decreased in the MAK-4-treated group as compa red to the controls. Creatinine, urine inorganic phosphorus, urine uri c acid, urine amylase, and urine glucose were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the MAK-4 group compared to the control group. Glutathione p eroxidase activity, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and sup eroxide dismutase were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the MAK-4 group compared to the controls. These findings suggest prevention of organ damage in the MAK-4-supplemented rabbits. The mechanism of actio n may be prevention of lipid and protein oxidation by MAK-4.