Antioxidant Properties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana – A Focus on Erythrocyte Membrane Stability and Cytoprotection

Background: The erythrocytes are primarily exposed to xenobiotics and are highly susceptible to endogenous oxidative damage due to presence of high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Objective: The aim of the present investigation is to assess the protective ability of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana extract (MEKB) against chemical oxidative stress induced by 2,2`- azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) on rat erythrocyte. Method: The inhibition rates of haemolysis, concentration of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were evaluated as the biomerkers of oxidative status. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of phenolic compound (249.1±9.4 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gm of dry extract) and flavonoids (335±3.7 mg quercetin equivalent per gm of dry extract) in substantial amounts. In addition, the major phenolic compound determined by HPLC analysis was quercetin. MEKB displayed significant antioxidant effect by ferric reducing ability and also oxygen and DPPH radical scavenging activity. MEKB significantly protected erythrocyte against AAPH induced haemolysis and this was further substantiated by its ability to reduce membrane lipid peroxidation along with restoration of glutathione. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that MEKB may have the potential to act as natural antioxidant, thereby providing membrane stability to erythrocytes and protecting the cells from oxidative damage.