Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
In vitro
Antioxidant Analysis and the DNA
Damage Protective Activity of Leaf Extract of
the
Excoecaria agallocha
Linn Mangrove Plant
C. Asha Poorna, M.S. Resmi and E.V. Soniya
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55416
1. Introduction
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are various forms of activated oxygen, which include free-
radicals, e.g., superoxide anions (O
2
-
), hydroxyl radicals (
.
OH), non-free-radical compounds
(H
2
O
2
) and singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
), which can be formed by different mechanisms in living
organisms. Oxidative damage of DNA molecules associated with electron-transfer reactions
is an important phenomenon in living cells, which can lead to mutations and contribute to
carcinogenesis and the aging processes. ROS species are considered as important causative
factors in the development of certain diseases such as diabetes, stroke, arteriosclerosis, cancer
and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to the aging process. Prior administration of
antioxidant provides a close relationship between FRSA and the involvement of
endocrinological responses, which help to reverse the effect [1, 2]. Plants are rich sources of
phytochemicals such as saponin, tannin, flavanoids, phenolic and alkaloids, which possess a
variety of biological activities including antioxidant potential. Antioxidants provide protection
to living organisms from damage caused by uncontrolled production of ROS and concomitant
lipid peroxidation, protein damage and DNA stand breaking. Natural antioxidants are in high
demand for application as bio-pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and food additives.
Terrestrial plants are considered potent sources of bioactive compounds and
pharmacologically active compounds, however, little is known about the therapeutical
potential of mangrove plants. Exploration of the chemical constituents of mangrove plants is
necessary to find new therapeutic agents and this information is very important to the local
community. Important reasons for studying the chemical constituents of mangrove plants
are first, mangroves are a type of tropical forest that grows easily and has not as yet been
widely utilized. Secondly, the chemical aspects of mangrove plants are very important
because of the potential to develop compounds of agrochemical and medical value.
