Antioxidant mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides and its extracts

1. Scavenging free radicals

Studies have shown that Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract can effectively scavenge free radicals, such as Eucommia ulmoides leaf polysaccharide has a scavenging rate of 98.74% for ABTS+ at 100μg/mL; and Eucommia ulmoides extract can enhance the body's ability to resist and scavenge reactive oxygen free radicals, preventing them from damaging biological macromolecules such as DNA.

2. Enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative stress

Antioxidant enzymes constitute the body's antioxidant defense system, including total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase, etc. T-SOD can efficiently remove O2- and inhibit lipid peroxidation. GSH-Px can significantly remove H2O2 and lipid peroxides. CAT can accelerate the decomposition of H2O2 in the body. Studies have found that eucommia leaf extract can reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in mouse liver.

3. Block lipid peroxidation chain reaction

Reactive oxygen can affect cell membrane function, oxidize unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes to form lipid peroxides, and then affect the body's normal physiological reactions, causing symptoms such as fatigue and muscle soreness. Studies have shown that eucommia leaf flavonoids can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation in mouse liver, heart, kidney and other tissues, reduce MDA production, and maintain cell membrane integrity.

4. Reduce DNA damage

Under normal circumstances, DNA has the ability to self-repair to maintain the stability of genetic material, but too many free radicals induce oxidative stress, causing damage to cell proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. Studies have found that 50% ethanol extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves can significantly enhance the antioxidant capacity of brain tissue, reduce brain nerve DNA damage, and increase the activity of GSH-Px and T-SOD.