Antioxidant action of flavonoids from Mangifera indica and Emblica officinalis in hypercholesterolemic rats

The oral administration of flavonoids from Mangifera indica and Emblica officinalis at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) showed significant antioxidant action in cholesterol-fed experimental rats. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids was investigated on the basis of their effects on the activities of oxidative free radical scavenging enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione and lipid peroxide contents. The activities of free radical-scavenging enzymes were significantly elevated and lipid peroxide content was significantly decreased in flavonoid-treated hypercholesterolemic rats. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.