Free radical scavenging of xanthones from Swertia chirata Buchham and tumor cell growth inhibition

In the animal body, various electron transport chains and various enzymatic reactions either produce free radical intermediates or use free radical substrates. These free radical production have developed several mechanisms to control them. Earlier studies suggests that the Swertia chirata extract was a potent hepatoprotective drug in vivo. Since the ethanolic extract was rich in xanthones, it reduces the free radical induced lipo-peroxidation. In vivo studies on animal models have confirmed the antiradical properties of the extract. The drugs which prevent the toxic effects of free radicals are called free radical scavengers or anti oxidants. Co-enzyme Q(10), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are examples of such drugs. The lethal cell injury by CCl4 results in the elevation of lipid peroxidation products, impairment in antioxidant enzyme activities. An extraction procedure is described for the isolation of xanthones from the plant S. chirata.