Biological Activity of Blackcurrant Extracts (Ribes nigrumL.) in Relation to Erythrocyte Membranes

Abstract

Compounds contained in fruits and leaves of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are known as agents acting preventively and therapeutically on the organism. The HPLC analysis showed they are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves, that have antioxidant activity and are beneficial for health. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of blackcurrant fruit and leaf extracts on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The effect of the extracts on osmotic resistance, shape of erythrocytes and hemolytic and antioxidant activity of the extracts were examined with spectrophotometric methods. The FTIR investigation showed that extracts modify the erythrocyte membrane and protect it against free radicals induced by UV radiation. The results show that the extracts do not induce hemolysis and even protect erythrocytes against the harmful action of UVC radiation, while slightly strengthening the membrane and inducing echinocytes. The compounds contained in the extracts do not penetrate into the hydrophobic region, but bind to the membrane surface inducing small changes in the packing arrangement of the polar head groups of membrane lipids. The extracts have a high antioxidant activity. Their presence on the surface of the erythrocyte membrane entails protection against free radicals.

The Role of Curcumin on Reduced Leukocyte and Platelet Counts in Rats After Exposure to Ultraviolet Light from Compact Fluorescent Lamps: A Morphological Study

“…Some studies demonstrated that UVC radiation changes erythrocyte membrane (31). Disturbance of the membrane causes penetration of lytic component and collection of water into the cell lead to hemolysis (31). A similar result was seen in our study.…”

“…A study conducted by Kaestner et al also showed that UV radiation leads to hemolysis of RBCs (30). Some studies demonstrated that UVC radiation changes erythrocyte membrane (31). Disturbance of the membrane causes penetration of lytic component and collection of water into the cell lead to hemolysis (31).…”

Cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of extract of Amaranthus spinosus L. in Allium cepa and human erythrocytes

“…According to them the plasma membrane disruption occurred due to disturbed lipid microenvironment and increased lipid peroxidation after the exposure to malathion. Bonarska-Kujawa et al (2014) reported echinocyte formation in RBCs after exposure to 0.1 and 0.01 mg/ ml concentration of Ribes nigrum extracts.…”

Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenolic Extracts From Red Current and Cranberry Fruits With Regard to Erythrocytes Membrane

“…Uzyskane wyniki badań z zastosowaniem znaczników fluorescencyjnych pozwalają sądzić, że obecne w ekstraktach polifenole koncentrują się głównie w obszarze hydrofilowym błon erytrocytów, natomiast nie wnikają do obszaru hydrofobowego dwuwarstwy lipidowej błony. Podobne spostrzeżenia w przypadku innych ekstraktów roślinnych, przy użyciu takich samych technik badawczych, przedstawiono w pracach [3,24]. Stopień ochrony błon przed utlenieniem przez związki polifenolowe zawarte w ekstraktach określono fluorymetrycznie na podstawie stopnia gaszenia fluorescencji sondy DPH-PA przez wolne rodniki powstałe w wyniku rozpadu związku AAPH.…”