The Effect of St. John’s Wort Extract on Catalase Activity in Mice Organs

Abstract

St. John’s Wort, botanically known as Hypericum perforatum L., is a widespread medical herb widely used in Lithuania and all over the world. The aerial parts of the plant are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotene, and vitamin C. Although the plant is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant effects, the studies for its capability to reduce oxidative stress in the brain are sparse. Though antioxidant properties of some phenolic compounds of St. John’s Wort have been proved to be effective in vitro, absorption of these compounds from the gastrointestinal tract, the further metabolism, tissue uptake and possibility to pass blood-brain barrier still remains unclear. There is also insufficient knowledge about the further fate of these compounds, depending on the dose and the mode of entry into the body. The present study aimed to elucidate possible protective effects of Hypericum perforatum L. extract in alleviating the toxicity of aluminum on catalase (CAT) activity in mice brain and liver. The experiments done on BALB/c laboratory mice. The CAT activity in organs homogenates determined spectrophotometrically. Results expressed as the mean ± SEM. Results showed that aluminum decreases CAT activity in the liver and brain of mice by 13.9% and 88.4%, respectively, compared to control group. Meanwhile, the influence of St. John’s wort extract on enzyme activity was versatile. In the liver Hypericum perforatum L. extract reduced CAT activity by 19.4% in comparison with control mice. The effect of the extract of St. John’s wort for CAT activity in aluminum-treated mice liver was practically minimal. The effect of St. John’s wort extract on CAT activity in the liver of aluminum-treated mice was practically minimal, i.e. equal to the control level. However, the effects of St. John’s wort extract could be clearly seen in the brains. The extract decreases CAT activity by 74.5%, compared to control. But administration of St. John’s wort extract to the aluminum group showed a large increase in CAT activity. Hypericum perforatum L. extract itself may reduce CAT activity in the brain and liver of mice. But can increase CAT activity in the brain and liver of aluminum group, thus reducing the peroxidation induced by aluminum ions.