In Vitro Antioxidant Potential of Hippophae rhamnoides Protects DNA Against H2O2 Induced Oxidative Damage

The plant's proclivity to grow close to the water and its profusion of thorns are what give it the name "Sea buckthorn." It was discovered that feeding the leaves of this plant to horses enhanced their health and made their hair shine, leading to the genus name Hippophae, which in Latin means "Shining Horse." It is a powerful source of several bioactive substances, particularly polyphenols and carotenoids that have beneficial effects on the human body. We aim to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and its effect on protecting DNA from damage. Total phenolic content in different extracts of H. rhamnoides was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging method. Reducing power was estimated by Fe3+- Fe2+ transformation method. Hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities were also determined besides measuring the effect of different extracts on Fenton's reaction induced DNA damage of calf thymus DNA. Results indicate that methanolic extract of H. rhamnoides was having higher phenolic content, higher free radical scavenging activity and stronger reducing capacity as compared to aqueous and ethyl acetate extract. Also, it was found to be a better scavenger of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and more potent in preventing DNA damage as compared to aqueous and ethyl acetate extract. The neutralization or destruction of free radicals by antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of H. rhamnoides makes it a promising therapeutic candidate for prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.