Antioxidant activity of DHC-1--a herbal formulation

DHC-1, a multiherbal formulation, was tested for its antioxidant activity in rats. DHC-1 was investigated at dose levels of 100 mg/kg, p.o. and 200 mg/kg, p.o., once daily, for 30 days in normal rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, membrane bound enzymes like Ca2+ ATPase, Mg2+ ATPase, Na+K+ ATPase, lipids like phospholipid, cholesterol, triglyceride and total proteins were estimated in liver, kidneys and heart. Liver glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G-6-P-D) was also determined. The serum levels of GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin were also estimated. The decrease in the serum enzymes may be due to the membrane stabilising action of DHC-1. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) along with reduced GSH by DHC-1 may be attributed to the antioxidant potential of various ingredients present in the formulation. Thus, it can be concluded that DHC-1 exhibits an antioxidant activity and could prove beneficial in the treatment of various disorders associated with the involvement of reactive oxygen species.