In vitro nicotine induced superoxide mediated DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes: protective role of Andrographis paniculata Nees.

Nicotine is a pharmacologically active substance and potent recreational drug present in smoke and smokeless tobacco products. The present study was initiated to investigate the protective role of Andrographis paniculata products (andrographolide and aqueous extract) on in vitro nicotine induced lymphocyte toxicity. Andrographolide and aqueous extract was isolated and characterized by HPLC, FTIR, TLC and biochemical assays. Significant (P<0.05) increase of superoxide anion generation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA fragmentation and decrease of cell viability, SOD and GSH content were observed in both 10mM and 100mM nicotine exposure. Different concentration of andrographolide and aqueous extract from A. paniculata supplement decreased oxidative stress in lymphocytes with the fall in superoxide anion generation, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA fragmentation and rise in cell viability and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes; SOD and GSH. The above findings indicate that A. paniculata products modulate the nicotine induced toxicity in lymphocytes through decreased superoxide mediated oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation. Hence, A. paniculata can be used as therapeutic means against nicotine mediated lymphocytes function.