Untitled

Abstract

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production above basal levels cause irreversible damage to the cell membrane, DNA and other cellular structures by oxidizing lipids, proteins and nucleic acids resulting in dysfunction of biomolecules within cells and, finally, cell death. These free radical-induced reactions are ascertained to play multiple roles in degenerative or pathological events especially carcinogenesis. Apart from the radical scavenging activity, the antioxidant potential of a test compound or herbal preparation is also based on their protective effect against oxidant-induced damage to cellular biomolecules. In the present study, the protective effect of the methanolic extract of the three different flowers of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (yellow, pink and orange) against oxidative stress-induced damage to biomolecules like lipids, DNA and proteins were analyzed in both cell-free systems and intact cells. The results showed that the flowers of C. pulcherrima rendered significant biomolecular protection against oxidative stress, both in cell-free systems and in intact cells. INTRODUCTION: A deleterious phenomenon called the oxidative stress is caused by excessive production of free radicals and oxidants beyond the antioxidant defense. Oxidative stress induces alterations in the cell membranes and other structures such as proteins, lipids, lipoproteins and DNA 1. Such progressive adverse changes accumulate with age throughout the body. Genetics and environment factors influence these changes and modulate free radical damage, thereby causing various pathological conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, ischemia, aging and cancer 2 .