Biomolecule-protective activity of the bacoside fraction from BACOPA MONNIERI

Bacopa monnieri is an important Ayurvedic drug and, traditionally, it is reported to be used for skin diseases, fever, inflammation, anaemia, urinary disorder and psychiatric disorders. The major therapeutically important chemical constituents of this plant are the triterpenoid saponins, bacosides. In the present study, bacoside fraction was prepared from the aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri. The extent of oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules like membrane lipids, DNA and proteins, and its protection by bacoside fraction, was studied in cell-free systems and intact cells. From the results, it was clear that the bacoside fraction possessed significant biomolecular protection against oxidative stress, both in cell-free systems and in intact cells.