Antioxidants are a class of compounds that can neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive atoms or molecules that can cause damage to cellular structures, including DNA. Antioxidants can help prevent this damage by donating an electron to the free radical, thus neutralizing it and preventing further damage.
The use of natural antioxidants from plants has been used for centuries, but more recently they have been used in modern medicine as well. Piper Crocatum and Persea americana (aka avocado leaf) leaf extracts have been shown to have strong antioxidant properties when tested both in vitro and in vivo. This research paper will explore the evidence behind these two natural antioxidant benefits.
A Little Information on Piper Crocatum and Persea Americana
A rare and special plant, the Piper Crocatum is a rarity in the plant kingdom. This plant was originally found in Peru.
The large, shiny leaves of these climbing plants are a prominent feature. The heart-shaped, olive-green leaf has pink veining and spots. It is a climbing plant that will happily wind its way up moss poles and stakes. (1)
Persea Americana is another flowering plant derived from avocado trees that is native to South America. The leaves of this plant are used as spices in cooking, while its fruit is used medicinally (2). Studies investigating the antioxidant properties of Persea Americana leaf extracts have shown evidence suggesting that Persea Americana leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory effects (3).
Piper Crocatum and Persea Americana Leaf Extracts: Potential In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activities
The evidence behind natural antioxidants is becoming more and more important. As more and more people are aware of the dangers of free radicals, there has been a growing demand for natural antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to have benefits in health and wellness, as well as beauty products.
Piper Crocatum and Avocado Leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential of these leaves by using various assays.
In this study, Indonesian scientists investigated the antioxidant actions of two different plant leaves: Persea americana Mill (Aka Avocado Leaf) and Piper Crocatum Ruiz & Pav. They examined the effects of extraction techniques on their antioxidant properties and found that water and ethanol were best for Persea americana Mill whereas water was best for Piper Crocatum Ruiz & Pav. They also determined that 8 mg per dose was the best amount for both plant leaves as it exhibited strong antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that these plant leaves have great potential to be used as natural antioxidants in food products or pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion of the Study
The evidence behind the benefits of Piper Crocatum and Avocado leaf extracts as antioxidants is strong.
Piper Crocatum Ruiz & Pav showed moderate activity in water and weak antioxidant activity in ethanol. Meanwhile, Persea americana Mill (Avocado Leaf) exhibited strong antioxidant properties in both water and ethanol solvents. Both plant leaves were effective at an 8 mg dose and were not as effective at a 4 mg dose or 16 mg dose, in vivo.
The antioxidant systems of exogenous antioxidants could repress the ROS level by regulating the gene expression and related metabolic networks to maintain the redox balance and support cellular components for stress adaption. These findings suggest that the antioxidant remedies using Persea americana Mill (Avocado) and Piper Crocatum Ruiz & Pav leaf extracts offer a promising strategy to prevent and treat diseases caused by reactive oxygen species exposure.
