| Abstract Detail
Economic Botany Section Schaper, Bridget [1], Faye-Malik, Jaime [2], Koroch, Adolfina [2], Gosslau, Alexander [2], Raman, Saima [3]. Revisiting traditional remedies: antioxidant effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Salvia triloba C. Linnaeus. Azadirachta indica and Salvia triloba (“neem” and “Greek sage”) are selected plant species that have traditionally been prized within various cultures for their healthful effects. A. indica has been used for centuries throughout South Asia as a skin tonic and to relieve diabetes. S. triloba is consumed as a tea throughout the Mediterranean and Near East and is used typically to sooth stomach aches and build immunity. Their reputations in traditional medicine suggest antioxidant content, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidization produces free radicals in the body that damage or kill cells, provoking an inflammatory response. When this response progresses to a chronic state, there is a strong association with the development of a wide range of diseases, from diabetes to atherosclerosis to Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants help prevent this chronic inflammatory cycle, conferring an overall protective effect. The objective of our study is to evaluate these plants for anti-oxidant activity, and for phenolics content (a strong correlative of anti-oxidant activity.) We prepared extracts of pulverized A. indica and S. triloba in DMSO, and performed ABTS and phenolics assays to evaluate anti-oxidant activity, and phenolics content, respectively. Results showed high phenolics content relative to our positive control, as well as significant anti-oxidant activity. Subsequent toxicity studies in mammalian fibroblasts indicated high tolerance for the extracts. In conclusion, our study suggests a potential application for both A. indica and S. triloba in therapies targeting inflammatory states; further study on extract-induced gene expression in mammalian cells is planned.
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1 - The CityCollege of New York, Biology, 160 Convent Ave, New York, NY, 10031, USA
2 - Borough Manhattan Community College, Biology, 199 Chambers St., New York, NY, 10007, USA
3 - Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065
Keywords:
antioxidant activity.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEN006
Abstract ID:1239
Candidate for Awards:None |
