Antioxidant activity of AO-8, a herbal formulation in vitro and in vivo experimental models

The effect of AO-8, a herbal formulation was evaluated for free radical sca venging activity using in,vitro and in vivo experimental models, AO-8 dose dependently inhibited ferric ion induced lipid peroxidation in vitro at 125 -1000 mu g, AO-8 was investigated at dose levels of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg p.o. in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and CCl4-induced hepato toxicity in rats. The levels of serum GOT and LDA, cardiac glutathione, SOD and catalase were estimated following induction of myocardial infarction w ith isoproterenol. The estimation of parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, liver g lycogen and lipid peroxidation were carried out in CCl4-induced hepatotoxic ity. Treatment with AO-8 for 15 days at a dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg offered marked protection in both in vivo models. The reversal of increased serum enzymes in both the models may be due to the prevention of leakage of the i ntracellular enzymes by its membrane stabilizing activity. The inhibition o f lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes by AO-8 may be due to the direct free radical scavenging activity which could be attribute d to the antioxidant potential of various ingredients present in the formul ation. Thus it can be concluded that AO-8 is an effective free radical scav enger and could prove beneficial in the treatment of various disorders asso ciated with the involvement of free radicals, Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.