Scavenging effects of lotus seed extracts on reactive nitrogen species

The inhibitory effect of lotus (Nelumbo nicifera) seed extracts extracted with water (LSWE), ethyl acetate (LSEAE) and hexane (LSHE) on reactive nitrogen species, induced by DNA damage in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, was investigated. The results showed that all extracts could inhibit nitric oxide accumulation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. The extracts in the range of 0.01–0.2 mg/ml showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the accumulation of nitric oxide upon decomposition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The potency of inhibitory activity was in the order: LSEAE > LSWE > LSHE. The results of the comet assay indicated that the three extracts could inhibit DNA damage in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells induced by SNP. In addition, the three samples, at 0.2 mg/ml, showed 63%, 59%, and 38% inhibition of DNA damage in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells induced by peroxynitrite, respectively. All extracts tested were found to be potent peroxynitrite scavengers, capable of preventing the nitration of tyrosine. The data obtained suggest that lotus seed extracts might act as chemopreventers through reduction of excess amounts of nitric oxide.