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Antioxidant and protective effects of Amrit Nectar tablets on adriamycin- and cisplatin-induced toxicities

Chandradhar Dwivedi1, Puja Agrawal, Karthika Natarajan

  • 1South Dakota State University, College of Pharmacy, Brookings, SD 57007, USA. Chandradhar.Dwivedi@sdstate.edu

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|March 8, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Amrit Nectar tablets (MA-7) demonstrate potent antioxidant properties, significantly reducing mortality from Adriamycin and protecting against cisplatin toxicity in preclinical models. This herbal supplement shows promise as a protective agent against drug-induced injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Herbal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Maharishi herbal supplements, including Amrit Nectar tablets (MA-7), have demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and mitigating oxidative stress.
  • Lipid peroxidation and alterations in glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity are key indicators of cellular damage.
  • Adriamycin and cisplatin are chemotherapeutic agents known for their significant toxicities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Amrit Nectar tablets (MA-7) by assessing their effects on rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation.
  • To compare the efficacy of MA-7 extracts with other known antioxidants.
  • To investigate the protective effects of MA-7 against Adriamycin-induced mortality and cisplatin-induced biochemical changes in rat liver and kidney.

Main Methods:

  • Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of MA-7 were prepared and tested for antioxidant potency.
  • Lipid peroxidation assays were conducted using rat liver microsomes.
  • Mice were treated with Adriamycin to assess mortality rates, with and without MA-7 supplementation.
  • Rats were administered cisplatin, and subsequent changes in liver and kidney GSH and GST activity were measured, with and without MA-7 supplementation.

Main Results:

  • Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of MA-7 exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to other tested antioxidants.
  • MA-7 supplementation (0.7% dietary) reduced Adriamycin-induced mortality in mice from 60% to 20%.
  • Dietary MA-7 supplementation reversed the detrimental effects of cisplatin on GSH and GST activity in rat liver and kidney.

Conclusions:

  • MA-7 possesses significant antioxidant properties, acting as a powerful protective agent.
  • Supplementation with MA-7 may offer protection against the toxic side effects of chemotherapeutic agents like Adriamycin and cisplatin.

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