DETERMINATION OF EFFICACY AND MECHANISM OF ACTION OF ANTIOXIDANTS COMPONENTS FROM BLACK CUMMINS (NIGELLA SATIVA) AND SWALLOW ROOT (DECALEPIS HAMILTONII) USING IN VITRO BIOCHEMICAL AND CELL CULTURE ASSAY MODEL SYSTEMS

*Vulli Venkata Rao, Vempati Poornodai, Nancy Bonareri Mitaki and Suberu Safiu Adewale

ABSTRACT

Binding of phenolics including antioxidants to plasma proteins is an important pharmacological parameter, since it frequently affects the distribution and elimination of these compounds, which dictates the duration and intensity of physiological action. This study was conducted to know the efficacy and mechanism of action of antioxidant components from black cumis (Nigella sativa) and swallow root(Decalepis hamiltonii) using In vitro biochemical cell culture assay model. Determination of binding ability of BCAE and SRAE indicated that all phenolic acids have the ability to bind to protein and DNA at varied levels. Tannic acid followed gentisic and gallic acid appear to bind strongly to both - a carrier protein– Human Serum Albumin and DNA. Binding of these components to target protein is implicated in enhancement of bioavailability and hence bioactivity. Interaction of phenolic acids thus is an important tool to predict the antioxidant potency in vivo.

Keywords: Nigella sativa, Decalepis hamiltonii.