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Free radical scavenging: a possible mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory activity of Russelia equisetiformis (Schlect & Chan) (Scrophulariacae)

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Abstract

The methanol extract of Russelia equisetiformis (MRE), which exhibited significant antiinflammatory activity, was evaluated for the possible mode of action by studying its antioxidant potential in adjuvant- induced arthritic rats. 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect was determined by spectrophotometric method. The enzymatic activity of the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, showed a significant increase, while the lipid peroxide content was found to decrease to a large extent in MRE and indomethacin-treated rats. There was also significant and concentration-dependent increase in the percentage inhibition of DPPH, comparable to that of vitamin E and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) which are natural and synthetic antioxidants, respectively. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MRE possesses free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo Campus, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

    Emmanuel Olorunju Awe

  2. Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    Olatunbosun S. Banjoko

  3. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Modupe J. Makinde

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  1. Emmanuel Olorunju Awe
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  2. Olatunbosun S. Banjoko
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  3. Modupe J. Makinde
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Correspondence to Emmanuel Olorunju Awe.

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Awe, E.O., Banjoko, O.S. & Makinde, M.J. Free radical scavenging: a possible mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory activity of Russelia equisetiformis (Schlect & Chan) (Scrophulariacae). Inflammopharmacol 18, 179–185 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-009-0025-9

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