Protective activity of Hertia cheirifolia extracts against DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation

Context: Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae), a perennial shrub widely distributed in Northern Africa, is traditionally used to treat inflammatory disorders. Objective: The protective effect of methanol (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Hertia cheirifolia against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation was investigated. Materials and methods: Different concentrations (50-1000 mu g/mL) of Hertia cheirifolia aerial part extracts were examined against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation induced by H2O2 +UV, FeSO4, and Fe3+/H2O2-ascorbic acid, respectively. The DPPH center dot, metal ion chelating, reducing power and beta-carotene bleaching tests were conducted. Results: Both extracts were rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, and were able to scavenge DPPH center dot with IC50 values of 138 and 197 mu g/mL, respectively. At 300 mu g/mL, Aq E exerted stronger chelating effect (99%) than Met E (69%). However, Met E reducing power (IC50 = 61 mu g/mL) was more than that of Aq E (IC50 = 193 mu g/mL). Both extracts protected from beta-carotene bleaching by 74% and 94%, respectively, and inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation. The inhibitory activity of Aq E extract (64%) was twice more than that of Met E (32%). Interestingly, both extracts protected DNA against the cleavage by about 96-98%. At 1 mg/mL, Met E and Aq E restored protein band intensity by 94-99%. Conclusions: Hertia cheirifolia exhibits potent antioxidant activity and protects biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence, it may serve as potential source of natural antioxidant for pharmaceutical applications and food preservation. This is the first report on the protective activity of this plant against biomolecule oxidation.