Effect of giant hyssop (Lophanthus anisatus Benth.) extract on free radical processes in the blood of rats

Introduction. Giant hyssop (Lophanthus anisatus Benh.) is widely used in folk medicine; however, its biological effects have been insufficiently studied. There is information about the effect of biologically active components of giant hyssop on free radical processes, but the ways and mechanisms of this action have not been clarified. Objective: to establish the possibility of regulating free radical processes in the rat blood and its cytokinetic characteristics during cycle intake of giant hyssop extract Material and methods. The investigation was conducted on adult male Vistar rats. 70% alcohol giant hyssop herbal extract was obtained by a percolation method. Red blood cells were counted in a Goryaev chamber; reticulocytes in the smears were estimated after staining with brilliant cresyl blue. The cytokinetic indicators of rat erythrocyte balance were determined according to the procedure described by E.A. Lipunova and M.Yu. Skorkina. The levels of lipid oxidative modification products were measured by malondialdehyde content and those of erythrocyte membrane proteins was done by the accumulation of carbonyl groups that reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The levels of reduced glutathione in the red blood cells were estimated using by Ellman's method. Superoxide dismutase activity in the hemolysates was assessed from the inhibition of adrenaline autooxidation in an alkaline medium. Catalase activity was determined by a spectrophotometric method. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using the reagent kit (Olvex Diagnosticum); erythrocyte membrane protein levels were determined by the Lowry assay. Results. It was shown that ten-day intake of giant hyssop extract (75 mg/kg) substantially decreased the erythrocyte membrane protein counts of carbonyl groups, but did not change the level of thiol groups in the membrane proteins and that of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in erythrocytes. The administration of giant hyssop considerably enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the red blood cells. The use of great hyssop extract reduced the lifespan of mature red blood cells, but increased the delivery of young cells into the bloodstream, stimulating bone marrow hematopoiesis in the rats. Conclusion. The cycle use of great hyssop extract increases the level of antioxidant defense of erythrocytes and stimulates bone marrow hematopoiesis in rats.

Lophanthus anisatus Benth, giant hyssop, Lophanthus anisatus Benth, free radical processes, antioxidant defense, erythrocytes, protein oxidative modification, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, cytokinetics