Effects of Gynura procumbens Leaf Extracts on Plasma Lipid Peroxidation and Total Antioxidant Status in CCl4-Treated Rats

The effect of extraction solvents (methanol, 95% ethanol, and water) on total phenolic contents and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of Gynura procumbens leaf was investigated. The contents of total phenolic and in vitro FRSA were significantly higher in the methanol extract compared to the 95% ethanol and water extracts. Consequently, the effect of the methanol extract on plasma lipid peroxidation and plasma total antioxidant status in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) - induced oxidative stress in rats was determined. The administration of CCl4 to rats showed significant increase in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. The plasma lipid peroxidation elevation produced by CCl4 was reversed in rats fed with the methanol extract of G. procumbens leaf for 14 days before CCl4 challenge. Administration of CCl4 to rats did not showed significant alteration in plasma total antioxidant status (TAS).