The antioxidant and DNA protectant activities of Star Anise (Illicium verum) aqueous extracts

Abstract

This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of Star Anise (Illicium verum) against H2O2 induced DNA damage and human peripheral lymphocyte cell death. The antioxidant activities of the above evaluated by Lipid peroxide inhibitory activity, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl) activity and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The DNA damage protectant activity was evaluated by submarine gel electrophoresis and the H2O2 (100 µM) induced cell death in human peripheral lymphocytes protectant activity was evaluated by cell viability test. Standard antioxidants like BHA, Curcumin and I±-tocopherol were used as positive control. The ambient temperature water extract and boiling water extract of Star anise showed effective antioxidant activity. The protection provided by Star Anise extracts against cell death induced by H2O2 was promising and the same in DNA damage also. The present study reveals that, the extracts exhibited effective prevention ability against H2O2 induced cell death and DNA protection. The above protectant activities of extracts of Star Anise may due to the presence of polyphenols, proteins and flavonoids in Star Anise extracts.