LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of Asparagus racemosus Willd. roots and its protective effects against t-BHP induced oxidative stress in rats

- Metabolites were identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS from Asparagus racemosus roots methanolic extract (AME).
- tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced tissue oxidative stress was ameliorated by AME supplementation.
- AME administration to rats inhibited t-BHP induced ROS and protein carbonyls.
- AME inhibited t-BHP induced hepatic and WBC DNA damage.

LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of Asparagus racemosus roots methanolic extract (AME) showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and shatavarins. Effectiveness of A. racemosus extract in preventing tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced damage was investigated. Wistar rats treated with 1 mmol/kg body weight (b/wt) t-BHP induced oxidative stress with an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The liver antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GSH content was decreased and lipid peroxidation products and protein carbonyls were increased in t-BHP treated rat liver tissues. Further, we also observed WBC, DNA and liver damage in t-BHP treated rats by single cell gel electrophoresis and histopathology study. However, the rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt A. racemosus, showed a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST to 27 ± 0.74, 22 ± 0.51 and 75 ± 4, 69 ± 3 units/ml of serum respectively. The increase in antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation products with t-BHP treatment were also decreased with A. racemosus supplementation. The t-BHP induced increase in hepatic protein carbonyls were significantly reduced to 150% and 139% with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt A. racemosus administration respectively. Further AME treatment inhibited t-BHP induced WBC, DNA to 54% and also showed protection against liver tissue damage of rats. Overall the study demonstrates the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of A. racemosus which could be used as a food supplement to treat stress associated disorders.