Protective effects of Munziq and Mushil of Abnormal Savda to mitochondrial oxidative damage

Munziq and Mushil of Abnormal Savda are traditional Uighur herbal medicinal products, which could have antioxidant properties protecting mitochondria against oxidative damage. Mitochondria were isolated from rat livers. A FeSO4/VitC hydroxyl radical-generating system was used to induce mitochondrial oxidative damage. Alterations in mitochondrial membrane structure were observed by electron microscopy, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity were measured. Muziq or Mushil were added, at concentrations ranging from 10(-5) to 10(-1) g/mL. Mitochondrial membrane structure was damaged after exposure to hydroxyl radical; mitochondrial SOD and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities decreased (by 80 and 55%, respectively, both P < 0.01), and MDA level increased 4.6-fold (P < 0.01). Munziq and Mushil protected mitochondrial membranes from structural damage. They inhibited the changes in mitochondrial functions in a dose-dependent manner. At the highest concentrations, values were equal to initial normal values. Munziq and Mushil of Abnormal Savda can reduce the oxidative damage induced by hydroxyl radical and protect the mitochondrial membrane structure and its functions.