Protective effect of Achillea millefolium, Crataegus curvisepala and Matricaria chamomilla on oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes and -SH capacity

There are many diseases caused by free radicals such as atherosclerosis, cancer and aging. Antioxidants inhibit effects of free radicals. On the other hand, the usage of synthetic antioxidants have been limited because of their toxicity and there are a number of studies to find and use natural antioxidants. This survey investigates the effect of some plants such as Achillea millefolium, Crataegus curvisepala and Matricaria chamomilla on RBC hemolysis and their – SH capacity as membrane protection indicator.At first, total and polyphenolic extracts from each plant were prepared Rate of RBC hemolysis and – SH capacity of cells membrane were detemined by spectrophotometer in 415 nm. AAPH (2, 2 azobis2 amidino propane dihydrechloride)Was used to induce RBC peroxidation. The effect of each extract on RBC hemolysis was examined in 5 concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5) μg/ml) of each extract was used. In all cases, the antioxidant activity was dose – dependent. The highest inhibitory effect on RBC hemolysis was by polylhenolic extract of Achillea millefolium. Total extracts of Achillea millefolium, Crataegus curvisepala protect – SH groups 37%, 32.3% respectively. Results show that mentioned plants can be used as natural antioxidants for treatment and prevention of diseases which their pathogenesis are lipid peroxidation.