Protection of PC12 cells from chemical ischemia induced oxidative stress by Fagonia arabica.

Fagonia arabica (Zygophyllaceae) is an important Ayurvedic herb, grows throughout arid regions of India, has been widely used as a folk remedy by the indigenous people for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. In the present study, antioxidant potential of F. arabica and the associated mechanism of antioxidant defence in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells subjected to chemical ischemia was studied. Effect of total extract of F. arabica was studied for its antioxidant potential on the chemical ischemia induced PC12 cells. Alterations in the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GSH-R) were measured. Antioxidant potential of herb (ABTS), extent of lipid peroxidation (MDA and 4-HAE), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total glutathione (reduced, oxidized and their ratio) were evaluated. F. arabica scavenges the free radicals (ABTS(.)+), and showed a concentration dependent antioxidant activity, highest being at 1000 microg/ml. Its treatment with ischemic cells ameliorates the GSH and TAS levels and also helps the cells to restore the activities of the cellular antioxidative enzymes and also reduced the degree of lipid peroxidation. F. arabica scavenges the free radicals and attenuates oxidative stress mediated cell injury during ischemia.