Abstract

Studies on pro-oxidant induced DNA damage: Inhibition by methanolic extract of Tinospora cardifolia

Author(s):Chandrashekar Srinivasa, Chandan Shivamallu, Kollur Shivaprasad, Melvin Prasad

Isolation of polyphenols from the plant source Tinospora cordifolia, Guduchi is a large, glabrous, deciduous climbing shrub belonging to the familyMenispermaceae. The knowledge of absorption, biodistribution and metabolism of polyphenols is partial and incomplete, yet it is sufficient to state that in general, some polyphenols are bioactive compounds that are absorbed fromthe gut in their native ormodified form. Polyphenols exhibit a wide range of biological effects as a consequence of their antioxidant properties. They inhibit LDL oxidation in vitro. Thus, polyphenols probably protect LDL oxidation in vivo with significant consequences in atherosclerosis and also protect DNA from oxidative damage with important consequences in the age-related development of some cancers. We know that the free radicals are formed in the body constantly. Surely the body has mechanisms to take care of the oxidative stress. All cells have defenses against the free radicals and these defenses are antioxidants. Therefore proximate analysis and a study has performed to find out the preventive role of the extract on pro-oxidant induced DNA damage using calf thymus DNA as model system.