An in vitro study of the antioxidant activities and effect on human DNA of the Chinese herbal decoction ‘liu wei di huang’

Authors

Yim Tong Savio Szeto, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Shatin), Vocational Training CouncilFollow
Pui Cheong Lei, Kiang Wu Hospital
Kam-Leong Ngai, Kiang Wu Hospital
Andy Tak Wah Yiu, Kiang Wu Hospital
Catarina Sin Pek Chan, Kiang Wu Hospital
Edith Wun Fong Kok, Kiang Wu Hospital
Chi Wa Leong, Kiang Wu Hospital, Rua Coelho Amaral, Macao

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2009

Keywords

Antioxidant, Comet assay, Traditional Chinese medicine, Herb, Oxidative stress

DOI

10.3109/09637480802012209

Abstract

A Chinese medicinal formulation, ‘Liu Wei Di Huang’, and its individual components have been tested for the genoprotective effect on human DNA by the comet assay. Results showed no DNA protection contributed by this prescription. However, the aqueous extracts of individual herbs, namely Cortex Moutan and Rhizoma Dioscoreae, were able to decrease by 10–15% the DNA stand break from hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative stress. This provides insight to further evaluate the interaction among herbs and the search for the active ingredient responsible for the DNA protective effect.

Source Publication

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

Volume Number

60

Issue Number

8

ISSN

0963-7486

First Page

662

Last Page

667

Recommended Citation

Szeto, Y.,Lei, P.,Ngai, K.,Yiu, A.,Chan, C.,Kok, E.,& Leong, C. (2009). An in vitro study of the antioxidant activities and effect on human DNA of the Chinese herbal decoction ‘liu wei di huang’. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 60 (8), 662-667. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09637480802012209