Modulatory influence of arecanut on antioxidant 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole-induced hepatic detoxification system and antioxidant defence mechanism in mice.

This paper assesses the modificatory potential of arecanut (Areca catechu L.), a popular masticatory substance, on 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy anisole (BHA)-induced changes in the hepatic detoxification system and antioxidant defence mechanisms in mice. The modulatory effects on biochemical parameters including glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, acid soluble sulfhydryl (-SH) content and microsomal lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were assessed. Mice were fed either a normal diet or diets containing 0.25%, 0.5% or 1% (w/w) arecanut for 45 days. During the last 10 days of treatment the feed was supplemented with 0.5% or 1% BHA. Inclusion of BHA in the diet significantly modulated the detoxification system enzymes, -SH content and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver of the mice. BHA-induced alterations in hepatic GST and -SH content were depressed while cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450 and MDA levels were further elevated by the arecanut treatment.