Evaluation of biochemical and antioxidant properties of crude extracts from the Indian cattle leech Poecilobdella granulosa

Abstract

Oxidative stress is one of the factors influencing the structure and function of cells, tissues, and their components. Natural antioxidants have emerged as prophylactic and therapeutic agents for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The objective of the current study is to assess the biochemical composition and antioxidant potential of crude extracts from various organs of the Indian cattle leech Poecilobdella granulosa. The biochemical constituents and protein profiles of various crude samples were determined by Native and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Moreover, four different crude samples were subjected to check free radical scavenging activity. In the biochemical analysis, protein and carbohydrate content were found to be higher in whole-body extract and several major and minor bands were found ranging from 22 to 110 kDa during qualitative analysis. Interestingly, among the four crude samples, saliva alone showed antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. This study concluded that the crude saliva extract from P. granulosa is a highly selective and effective antioxidant for human welfare.