Objective: In the present study, Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves based herbal formulation (SHF) with very good sensory attributes was examined for its antioxidant potential, anti-inflamatory properties and DNA damage protecting activity.
Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity was determined through carrageenan induced paw oedema in rat model. The in-vitro inhibitory effect of the herbal formulation was evaluated against the enzymes related to inflammation viz, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). To investigate further the ability of the formulation to modulate DNA damage in-vivo, studies was carried out over acrylamide induced DNA damage in rats.
Results: The herbal formulation exhibited inhibitory effect against the inflammation at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight. A potent inhibition was observed against COX-2. A considerable amount of DNA damage was observed in acrylamide treated leukocytes. The comet tail length was measured using Image Pro Plus software. There was a significantly (p<0.05) less DNA damage seen in acrylamide + SHF treated leukocytes as compared to control. A significant increase in the induction of micronuclei in the cells was observed in acrylamide treated group and there was reduction in the number of micronucleated cells in SHF fed group of acrylamide treated rats.
Conclusion: This study suggest the protective effect of seabuckthorn leaf based herbal formulation against carrageenan induced inflammation, acrylamide induced micronuleated cells and free radical induced DNA damage.