EFFECTS OF HABERLEA RHODOPENSIS EXTRACT ON ANTIOXIDATION AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN RABBITS AFTER EXPOSURE TO 60CO-Γ-RAYS

Haberlea rhodopensis extract (HRE) possesses strong antioxidant activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective ability of HRE against oxidative damage induced by a non-lethal dose of Co-60-gamma-rays. Experimental animals (New Zealand rabbits) were exposed to 2.0 Gy gamma-rays before and after HRE administration. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed. Results show that administration of HRE before and after irradiation decreased the MDA level and increased SOD and CAT activity, thus providing protection against the radiation-induced decrease in antioxidative ability and increase in lipid peroxidation. This finding supports the idea that HRE is a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant.