Abstract
Natural compounds with free-radical scavenging activity have potential role in maintaining human health and preventing diseases. In this study, we report the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of 14-aminotetradecanoic acid (ATDA) isolated from the Decalepis hamiltonii roots. ATDA is a potent scavenger of superoxide (O-2(center dot-)), hydroxyl ((OH)-O-center dot), nitric oxide ((NO)-N-center dot), and lipid peroxide (LOO center dot) physiologically relevant free radicals with IC50 values in nM (36-323) range. ATDA also exhibits concentration-dependent secondary antioxidant activities like reducing power, metal-chelating activity, and inhibition of protein carbonylation. Further, ATDA at nM concentration prevented CuSO4-induced human LDL oxidation. ATDA demonstrated cytoprotective activity in primary hepatocytes and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells against oxidative stress inducing xenobiotics apart from the in vitro free-radical scavenging activity. The mechanism of cytoprotective action involved maintaining the intracellular glutathione, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. It is suggested that ATDA is a novel bioactive molecule with potential health implications.