Free Radical Scavenging Activity by Esr Spectroscopy and Neuroprotective Effect on H2o2-Induced Damage in Pc-12 Cells of Enzymatic Extracts From Korean Elk Velvet Antler

Abstract

The free‐radical scavenging activity and the neuroprotective effect of Korean elk velvet antler were assessed using an electron spin resonance spectrometer and a flow cytometer. Elk velvet antler was divided into three sections. The antler was then hydrolyzed by four proteases. All enzymatic extracts from the elk velvet antler effectively reduced the intensities of four kinds of free radicals. Papain extract from the upper section showed the highest scavenging activity on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals; the IC50 values were 1.70 and 0.16 mg/mL, respectively. ά‐chymotrypsin extract from the middle section showed the highest scavenging activity on alkyl and superoxide radicals; the IC50 values were 0.84 and 1.73 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, papain extract from the upper section (1.0 mg/mL) decreased cell death in PC‐12 cells caused by H2O2‐induced oxidative damage. These results indicate that enzymatic extracts from Korean elk velvet antler show antioxidative activity by means of scavenging free radicals and decreasing cell death caused by H2O2‐induced oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Elk velvet antler has long been used as a traditional medicine for relieving pain, aging and inflammation in Korea and China. In general, it is preparated by the method of hot water extract as liquefied products. In the present study, many industrial commercial enzymes such as α‐chymotrypsin, pepsin, papain and trypsin were used to produce a number of effective extracts. In addition, the enzymatic extracts from Korea elk velvet antler have shown antioxidative activity. Therefore, they have the potential to be developed into new health foods.

First Evidence that Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) Velvet Antler Extract Suppresses Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells

“…1 , the antioxidant activity of the T-DVA was significantly higher than those of M-DVA and B-DVA, and the corresponding trolox equivalent (TE) values were 53.44, 40.33, and 34.37 µM at 1,000 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the result was same tendency as Kim et al . (2009a) , and we assume this is from the highest amount of organic compounds in T-DVA.…”