Beneficial effect of the administration of Hemidesmus indicus against bromobenzene induced oxidative stress in rat liver mitochondria.

To study the beneficial effect of the prior administration of an aqueous extract of Hemidesmus indicus against bromobenzene induced oxidative damage in rat liver mitochondria. Oxidative stress was induced in rats with bromobenzene (10 mmol/kg body wt.). The rate of respiration, P/O ratios, lipid peroxides, protein carbonyls and sulphydryls were studied. When the rats were administered with bromobenzene, the rate of respiration was decreased significantly and the P/O ratio was completely abolished. There was a significant increase on the levels of lipid peroxide and protein carbonyl and a significant decrease on total sulphydryl groups when compared with control. Administration of rats with an aqueous extract (100mg/kg) prior to bromobenzene administration showed significant beneficial effects like, stimulation in respiration, prevented the rise in lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls, increased the level of sulphydryl groups back to control level. Administration of vitamin E could not reverse as effectively as Hemidesmus indicus. This study demonstrates a good protective effect of Hemidesmus indicus against the bromobenzene induced oxidative stress.