Antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Munish Garg, Chanchal Garg, Pulok K. Mukherjee, B. Suresh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa
Year: 2004
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study evaluates the antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa (lettuce), a commonly consumed plant known for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. The research focused on methanolic leaf extracts of the plant, investigating their capacity to inhibit oxidative damage induced by UV radiation in Salmonella typhi bacteria and their effects on the production of body enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase in male albino Wistar rats. The investigation also measured lipid peroxidation through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as a marker of oxidative stress in both blood and brain tissues.
Significant Antioxidant Activity
Lactuca sativa has demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its effects on both in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro study showed that the plant extract significantly increased the survival of Salmonella typhi when exposed to UV-induced oxidative damage. Specifically, higher concentrations of the extract (4 mg/ml) resulted in a substantial increase in the number of bacterial colonies compared to the control, indicating its protective ability against oxidative stress. In vivo results showed that administration of Lactuca sativa extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight led to significant increases in catalase and superoxide dismutase levels while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in both blood and brain tissues, suggesting that the plant extract can enhance the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms and mitigate lipid peroxidation.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the potential of Lactuca sativa as a nutraceutical with notable antioxidant properties. Given its rich content of vitamins and phytoconstituents, not only does Lactuca sativa hold nutritional value, but it also possesses medicinal benefits that warrant further exploration. The significant impact on oxidative stress indicators highlights the plant's promise in developing strategies for enhancing health and preventing oxidative damage-related diseases. As such, Lactuca sativa may be considered a valuable addition to dietary regimens aimed at bolstering antioxidant defenses in the body.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of the study on Lactuca sativa?
The study evaluates the antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa, analyzing its effects on oxidative damage to Salmonella typhi and measuring levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase in Wistar rats.
How was the Lactuca sativa extract prepared for the study?
Lactuca sativa leaves were collected, dried, and extracted using Soxhlet extraction with methanol. The resulting extract was concentrated and vacuum dried for biological evaluations.
What findings support the antioxidant properties of Lactuca sativa?
The extract significantly increased the survival of Salmonella typhi under UV exposure and elevated catalase and superoxide dismutase levels while reducing malondialdehyde formation in both blood and brain of tested rats.
What methodologies were used to assess antioxidant activity in the study?
The study utilized in vitro assays on UV-induced bacterial damage and in vivo assessments measuring enzyme levels and lipid peroxidation using malondialdehyde as a marker in Wistar rat blood and brain samples.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is essential for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products in the body, making it a critical aspect of physiological studies. In the context of the study, blood was investigated to measure levels of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, indicating the body's response to oxidative stress and potential protective effects of Lactuca sativa.
2) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological functions and responses elicited by a substance or compound. The antioxidant activity of Lactuca sativa was measured through its effects on catalase and SOD levels in blood and brain, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in combating oxidative damage in the body.
3) Drug:
In this study, Lactuca sativa can be considered a natural drug due to its pharmacological properties. The investigation focused on how the methanolic extract serves as a potential therapeutic agent to enhance antioxidant defenses, suggesting that this plant may offer health benefits when used as a herbal drug.
4) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drug action and the interaction between chemical substances and biological systems. This research assessed the pharmacological effects of Lactuca sativa on enzyme levels related to oxidative stress, providing insights into how plant-based compounds can influence health and disease treatment.
5) Substance:
Substance refers to any material with a definite chemical composition. The methanolic extract of Lactuca sativa is the primary substance studied for its antioxidant properties. Understanding the characteristics of such substances helps assess their efficacy in preventing oxidative stress and related health issues.
6) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by chronic inflammation and joint pain. Though not directly explored in this study, understanding the antioxidant properties of Lactuca sativa may contribute to future research aimed at developing dietary interventions for managing chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
7) Discussion:
Discussion in research typically involves interpreting results, contextualizing findings within existing literature, and suggesting implications or future directions. The discussion section of the study indicates the significance of what was discovered regarding Lactuca sativa's antioxidant capabilities and their potential role in nutritional therapy.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This investigation exemplifies scientific inquiry by evaluating the antioxidant effects of Lactuca sativa in a controlled environment, contributing to the broader body of knowledge in nutritional and pharmacological sciences.
9) Roman (Roma):
The mention of 'Roman' likely pertains to a citation from the references provided, specifically related to research on anti-hyperglycaemic effects of edible plants. This name underscores the importance of historical and cultural contributions to contemporary studies and the validation of medicinal properties in natural substances.
10) Water:
Water is a vital component in biological systems, necessary for various physiological processes. In the context of the experiment, the provision of water to the experimental animals is essential for ensuring their health and hydration, thus ensuring that the outcomes of the study accurately reflect the effects of Lactuca sativa.
11) Devi (Devī):
Devi may refer to an author cited within the references, contributing to the body of knowledge on related topics. Acknowledging previous research authors allows for a comprehensive understanding and supports the current study's findings on the antioxidant properties of Lactuca sativa and its applications.
12) Soup:
Soup represents one of the traditional uses of Lactuca sativa, highlighting its culinary as well as potential medicinal value. Acknowledging such applications emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the plant, drawing attention to the intersection of nutrition and health in the context of food and medicinal properties.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antioxidant potential of Lactuca sativa�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Experimental design, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative damage, Antioxidant potential, Animal house, Biochemical estimation, Hypoglycaemic effect, Salmonella Typhi, UV radiation, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, Methanolic leaf extract, Catalase and superoxide dismutase.