Scavenging of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of the oxidation of low density lipoprotein by the aqueous extraction of Anoectochilus formosanus.

The ability of Anoectochilus formosanus extract (AFE) to react with relevant biological oxidants was evaluated in this study. In addition, its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. AFE could scavenge reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical. The study of human LDL oxidation showed that AFE delayed oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo studies also showed that oral administration of AFE delayed the oxidation of LDL from hyperlipidemic hamsters. The ability of AFE to scavenge free radicals suggests that it may be a promising anti-atherogenic agent.