Premium
Effects of shilajit on biogenic free radicals
Author(s) -
Bhattacharya Salil K.,
Sen Ananda P.,
Ghosal Shibnath
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2650090113
Subject(s) - catalase , chemistry , antioxidant , superoxide dismutase , glutathione peroxidase , radical , nitric oxide , oxidative stress , traditional medicine , biochemistry , pharmacology , organic chemistry , medicine
The radicophilicity (antiradical–antioxidant effects) of processed shilajit (SJP) to oxygen‐derived free radicals and nitric oxide (NO), and the attendant H 2 O 2 cleaving effect were evaluated. SJP provided complete protection to methyl methacrylate (MMA) against hydroxyl radical‐induced polymerization and acted as a reversible NO‐captodative agent. SJP (20 and 50 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 21 days) induced a dose‐related increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in frontal cortex and striatum of rats. The data were comparable to those of (−)‐deprenyl (2 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 21 days) in respect of SOD and CAT activities. These findings are consistent with the therapeutic uses of shilajit as an Ayurvedic rasayan (rejuvenator) against oxidative stress and geriatric complaints.