Anti-lipid peroxidative effect Proteases inhibitor was exerted by the extract on ferrous sulphate-induced lipid peroxidation. Peroxidation of lipid is a natural phenomenon and occurs on its exposure to oxygen. Recently, free radical-induced lipid peroxidation

has gained much importance because of its involvement in several pathologies such as ageing, wound healing, oxygen toxicity, liver disorders, inflammation inter alia. Many natural and synthetic anti-oxidants are in use to prevent lipid peroxidation. Ferrous sulphate has been used as an inducer of lipid peroxidation. Production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS (an index of lipid peroxidation)] in normal conditions is very slow while in the presence of ferrous sulphate, it is relatively high. Initiation of lipid peroxidation by ferrous sulphate occurs through the ferryl–perferryl complex.18 Anti-lipid peroxidative property of A. brasiliana might be either due to chelating or redox activity. The specific

ratio of ferrous to ferric is important for induction of lipid peroxidation. It has been reported that at least 1:1 ratio of ferrous to ferric is critical for initiation of lipid peroxidation. 18 Anti-oxidant activity of A. brasiliana therefore, may result from multiple factors involving hydrogen or electron transfer, metal-chelating activity and synergistic activity and appears to be the result of many different activities. The extract showed anti-lipid peroxidative effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced lipid peroxidation. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is metabolised by cytochrome P450 to reactive trichloromethyl radical ( CCl3). Bosutinib Trichloromethyl radical then combines with cellular lipids and proteins in the presence of oxygen to form a trichloromethyl peroxyl radical ( OOCCl3) which may attack lipids in the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum faster than trichloromethyl free radical. These radicals propagate a chain reaction leading to lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes, destruction of Ca2+ homeostasis that induces cell injury and finally results in cell death.19 In line with

the oxidative stress theory of CCl4 toxicity, in the present study, the concentrations of TBARS remarkably increased and reduced in the CCl4 and extract-treated rats respectively. It until can be suggested from the result that the extract effectively protected the liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage on the liver of the rats possibly through anti-oxidant and/or free radical-scavenging effects of phenolic compounds and other bioactive constituents that may be present in the extract. In conclusion, the results of the present study generally imply that the leaves of A. brasiliana could be a potential source of natural anti-oxidant and may be greatly utilised as therapeutic agent in preventing or slowing oxidative stress-related diseases. The plant may also find relevance in cosmetic and food industries where anti-oxidants are used in fortifying products. All authors have none to declare.