Exploring the Effect of Cytisus Scoparius on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Rats

Antioxidant activity of aerial part of Cytisus scoparius, Link (Family – Leguminosae) was studied both by in vitro and in vivo models. Different concentrations of different extracts of chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and hydroalcoholic extracts of plant were investigated for in vitro antioxidant activity using the thiocyanate method. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited highest inhibitory activity on peroxidation, over other organic extracts and IC50 value (30.2 µg/ml) of the hydroalcoholic extract was found to be less than the standard, α-tocopherol (IC50 value of 66.1µg/ml). The hydroalcoholic extract was further evaluated for in vivo antioxidant activity, such as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A significant (p < 0.05) rise in FRAP level was observed in the hydroalcoholic extract. The extract showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of TBARS and increase in SOD enzyme level in liver and kidney. The extract treatment at higher dose only caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of the catalase in liver and kidney. However, there was no significant effect on TBARS, SOD, and CAT in the heart. In reduced glutathione, the extract did not cause significant changes in liver, heart and kidney. These results suggested that hydroalcoholic extract of Cytisus scoparius had significant antioxidant activity, which supports the claim about the plant to be used as antioxidant in Indian system of medicine.