Eugenol as an in vivo antioxidant against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress

We previously reported the protective action of eugenol against hepatic dam age induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (the best characterized model of free radical injury). Simultaneous administration of eugenol with CCl4 sig nificantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catal ase (CAT) in rat liver. This would have facilitated the removal of O-2 and H2O2 produced by CCl4- induced oxidative stress. We have now shown augmente d glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in rat liver following intraperi toneal administration of eugenol. A perfusion study was undertaken to compa re the efficacy of eugenol, in vivo, with the known hepatoprotective agent silymarin. Based on assays of the lipid peroxidation products and lactate d ehydrogenase (LDH) activity in effluent perfusate, it is suggested that eug enol is a more effective antidote than silymarin, as it prevented both lipi d peroxidation and LDH leakage. The protection rendered by eugenol during C Cl4-intoxication could have been mediated by maintaining the cellular enzym atic antioxidants and CST and/or by acting as a direct scavenger of free ra dicals. Med Sci Res 27:255-258 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.