Hydroxyl scavenging activity accounts for differential antioxidant protection of Plantago major against oxidative toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to study the effects of P. major against the oxidative damage of isolated rat liver mitochondria.

Methods: The extracts were obtained using methanol (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EAc), dichloromethane (DCM), and hexane (Hex) as solvents.

Key Findings: Hex, DCM, and EAc totally, and MeOH partially, inhibited ROS generation and lipid peroxidation of membranes induced by Fe(2+) or t-BOOH. However, only MeOH was able to prevent the t-BOOH-induced glutathione and NAD(P)H oxidation. All extracts chelated Fe(2+) and reduced DPP Hradicals. EPR analysis revealed that P. major exhibited potent scavenger activity for hydroxyl radicals.

Conclusions: The potent antioxidant activity exhibited by P. major was able to prevent oxidative mitochondrial damage, contributing to the understanding of its hepatoprotective action against ROS-mediated toxicity.