Abstract

Despite being an essential element for normal functioning of cells and organisms, iron, in excess, can induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species. A water-soluble, non-toxic iron chelator can reduce the iron-induced oxidative stress in the body as well as help in extricating excess iron. Herein, we report an Ocimum sanctum-derived antioxidant polysaccharide (OSP) that inhibits the deleterious effect of iron. Ocimum sanctum is a widely acknowledged medicinal plant contributing towards several biological benefits. Besides showing good hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, OSP could bind to ferric and ferrous ions to prevent their participation in redox reactions as revealed from modified 2-deoxyribose assays, carried out under various conditions. It also acted as an iron modulator to prevent site-specific damage and was effective in protecting mouse fibroblast L929 cells against iron induced death.

摘要

尽管铁是细胞和生物体正常运作所必需的元素，但过量的铁却可以通过产生活性氧来诱导氧化应激。水溶性，无毒的铁螯合剂可减少铁引起的体内氧化应激反应，并有助于补充多余的铁。在本文中，我们报道了从圣殿圣殿中提取的抗氧化多糖（OSP），它可以抑制铁的有害作用。圣殿是公认的药用植物，可带来多种生物学益处。如在各种条件下进行的改良2-脱氧核糖测定所示，OSP除了具有良好的清除羟自由基的活性外，还可以与铁离子和亚铁离子结合，以防止它们参与氧化还原反应。它还充当铁调节剂，以防止位点特异性损伤，并有效保护小鼠成纤维细胞L929细胞免受铁诱导的死亡。