RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the leaf extracts of Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum on the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, their antioxidant activity and potential protective action on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes, in order to demonstrate the safety or toxicity of the plant. METHODS: In erythrocyte samples, the effect of both extracts on δ-ALA-D activity, H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and 2,2'azobis (2-amidinopropane) (AAPH)-induced hemolysis was evaluated, as well as some antioxidant mechanisms. RESULTS: Both extracts inhibited δ-ALA-D activity (S. guaraniticum > S. jambos), and an involvement of the zinc ion of the δ-ALA-D structure on the inhibition of enzyme activity was verified. S. jambos leaf extract showed marked efficiency in countering H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation and in maintaining cellular integrity against AAPH-induced hemolysis. Furthermore, S. jambos exhibited greater H2O2 scavenging activity and stronger reduction power than S. guaraniticum. DISCUSSION: Both extracts bear potent antioxidant property as an important beneficial effect. However, the inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity suggests a possible harmful effect of these vegetal preparations and indicates the need for further investigation regarding their toxicological properties. All together, these data represent a significant contribution to the knowledge of these plants, both to the scientific community and to the folk medicine.