Iron chelation and related properties of Podophyllum hexandrum, a possible role in radioprotection

Aqueous extract of Podophyllum species has been reported to render significant protection against radiation induced mortality, cytogenetic damage and cell death. In view of this, present study was undertaken to investigate its antioxidant properties. Chelation, oxidation and reduction of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were measured using chelating agents 2-2' bipiridyl and potassium thiocyanate respectively. Podophyllum extract, in a dose dependent manner, chelated Fe2+ more efficiently than Fe3+ and also modulated Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio. Homogenate of mouse liver was used to measure TBARS for estimating lipid peroxidation. Podophyllum extract also inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner and maximum inhibition (92%) was achieved at 1000 micrograms/ml concentration. These results demonstrates that Podophyllum exhibits antioxidant properties as seen through chelation and modulation of redox state of iron ions and these may primarily contribute towards its radioprotective manifestation.