THE ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) 1

2 ABSTRACT TTurmeric antioxidant protein had been isolated from the aq. extract of turmeric. TThe antioxidant principle was found to be a heat stable protein. TThe antioxidant protein showed a concentration – dependent inhibitory activity on the promoter induced lipid peroxidation. TThe protection of Ca 2+ - ATPase activity was found to be associated with the prevention of loss of –SH groups.

3 KEYWORDS TTURMERIC ANTI-OXIDANT PROTEIN LLIPID PEROXIDATION TTHIOLS

4 INTRODUCTION SSeveral processes are involved in the adaptation of organisms to environment. MMainly used for defence against free radicals. PPeroxidation of unsaturated lipids has been used in wide range of diseases. TTurmeric (curcuma longa ),one of the major species used as potent anti-oxidant. TThe aqueous and alcoholic extract of turmeric have been shown to be anti-oxidant.

5 ANTIOXIDANTS LLevamisole BButylated hydroxy toulene SSantoquin BButylated hydroxy anisole

6 MATERIALS AND METHODS FFresh cod liver oil supplied as seven seas by Universal Generics Pvt. Ltd. and male Wistar rat brain 10% homogenate in Tris HCl buffer (0.01M) were used as substrates. PPreparation of turmeric extract- Powdered drug(1.5gm.) dissolved in 75 ml of boiling distilled water, centrifuged and supernatnt was selected. IIsolation of turmeric antioxidant protein (TAP)- aqueous extract was concentrated,insoluble material was centrifuged. One fifth extract containing 15 mg proteins was loaded on a SEPHADEX-G-200 column. TThe protein was simultaneously assayed. FFurther assay of liquid peroxidation using brain tissue and cod liver oil. AAssay Ca 2+ ATP ase activity. DDetermination of total sulphahydryl content.

7 SEPRATION OF TAP ON SEPHADEX-G-200 COLUMN ONE ANTIOXIDENT UNIT = 50% INHIBITION OF LIPID PEROXIDATION IN PRESENCE OF TAP S:NO. PARTIC -ULARS VOL. (ml) ACTIVIT Y (antioxid ant activity in units/ml) TOTA L UNIT S PROTIE N (mg/ml) SPECIFI C ACTIVIT Y % YIEL D 1.Aqueou s extract Concen tr-ate Sephad ex-G- 200 column effluent

8 RESULTS TThe antioxidant principal was found to be heat stable and no loss of activity during extraction. IInhibition of lipid peroxidation by TAP- TAP had concentration dependent inhibitory effect. 50% inhibitory activity at protein conc. of 50µg/ml, 50% inhibitory effect on ascorbate Fe 2+ /TBH- induced systems in rat brain at conc. 100 µg/ml. IInfluence of TAP Ca2+ - ATPase activity in rat brain homogenate- The activity was found to decreased by 40% with increase in TBARS release. EEffect of TAP on sulphahydryl content depletion- In presence of TAP 38% of depletion was seen after 60 min. as compared to 45% in absence of TAP.

9 EFFECT OF TAP ON NON- ENZYMATIC LIPID PEROXIDATION OF COD LIVER OIL values are mean±S.D. of 6 determanation expressed as nmoles TBARS released/50 mg oil in 30 min. S.N O. PARTICULARSWITHOUT TAP WITH TAP % INHIBITI ON 1.Oil10.63± ± Oil+1 mM Fe ± ± Oil+1 mM Ascorbate- Fe ± ± Oil+1 mM TBH34.95± ±

10 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION TThe antioxidant principal is protein in nature by its maximal absorbance at 280nm. and loss of its antioxidant property on trypsin treatment. TTAP prevents Ca 2+ - ATPase from inactivation in the presence of promoters of lipid peroxidtion or thiol reagents. TTAP prevents cellular –SH depletion during peroxidation. CConsumption of high concentration of turmeric reported to be non-toxic as compared to the other dietary antioxidants like levamisole, butylated hydroxy anisole and santoquin which are known to enhance cellular and humoral immunity with age. PPresence of a heat stable antiioxidant protein in the aqueous extract of turmeric is highly significant in relevance to its dietary consumption.

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