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Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum protect rat heart mitochondria against lipid peroxidation
1Institute of Traditional Medicine, Yang-Ming Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
We isolated rat heart mitochondria and induced lipid peroxidation with ADP and FeSO4. Oxygen consumption and MDA formation were measured for quantitating the amount of lipid peroxidation. Using these methods, we screened the water extracts of 14 Chinese medicinal herbs for their effect on lipid peroxidation. It was found that Astragalus membranaceus inhibited 42.1 +/- 3.4% of oxygen consumption and 39.8 +/- 3.2% of MDA production at concentration of 2 mg dried herb/ml mitochondrial suspension. At the same concentration, Polygonum multiflorum inhibited 52.1 +/- 7.3% of oxygen consumption and 50.9 +/- 5.3% of MDA production. Other herbs did not inhibit lipid peroxidation to 50% of control at concentration up to 6 mg dried herb/ml mitochondrial suspension. Purification and identification of the active component(s) in Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum as well as their clinical application await further studies.
Insights
Two Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum, show potential in preventing lipid peroxidation, a key factor in cellular damage. Further research is needed to identify active compounds and clinical uses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Lipid peroxidation is a damaging process implicated in various pathologies.
- Screening traditional medicines for antioxidant properties is crucial for developing new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation.
- To identify herbs with significant antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation.
Main Methods:
- Rat heart mitochondria were isolated and subjected to induced lipid peroxidation using ADP and FeSO4.
- Oxygen consumption and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were measured to quantify lipid peroxidation.
- Water extracts of 14 Chinese medicinal herbs were screened for their inhibitory effects.
Main Results:
- Astragalus membranaceus inhibited oxygen consumption by 42.1% and MDA production by 39.8%.
- Polygonum multiflorum demonstrated stronger inhibition, reducing oxygen consumption by 52.1% and MDA production by 50.9%.
- Other tested herbs showed limited inhibitory effects at concentrations up to 6 mg/ml.
Conclusions:
- Astragalus membranaceus and Polygonum multiflorum possess significant in vitro antioxidant properties relevant to lipid peroxidation.
- These herbs represent potential sources for novel therapeutic compounds targeting oxidative stress.
- Further investigation is required for compound isolation, identification, and clinical validation.