In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Passion Fruit (Passiflora alata) Extract by Different Kinds of Treatment on Rat Liver

Background: Passion fruit is known to be rich in flavonoids and can be an important antioxidant, preventing the oxidative damage. The objective of this study was first to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Passiflora alata fruit extract in the liver of Wistar rats and second to compare the efficacy of pretreatment or co-treatment of this extract. Method: Antioxidant activity of Passiflora alata fruit extract was analyzed by lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidation (carbonyl), Sulfhydryl levels and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and of catalase (CAT) against sodium azide damage induced in the liver of Wistar rats. Results: The pre-treatment extract reduced and/or prevented the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative damage caused by sodium azide. The co-treatment didn't show any protection at the level of protein oxidation damage, in this case an increase of damage was observed. Sulfhydryl levels increased in all groups. The SOD activity was not significantly different between groups, but the CAT activity increased in the group with co-treatment. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with passion fruit (Passiflora alata) can be an alternative in reducing oxidative damage in the liver.