Silybin Dihemisuccinate Protects Rat Erythrocytes Against Phenylhydrazine-Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Hemolysis

Abstract

The hemolytic action of phenylhydrazine has been related to the induction of lipid peroxidation on erythrocytes. The flavonoid silymarin can inhibit hemolysis and lipid peroxidation induced by phenylhydrazine on rat erythrocytes. These effects have been ascribed to the antioxidant properties of the flavonoid. In this work we demonstrate that silybin dihemisuccinate, a soluble form of one of the isomers of silymarin, can inhibit the oxygen consumption, lipid peroxidation, and methemoglobin formation induced by hydrazine on erythrocytes obtained from rats pretreated with the flavonoid. It is proposed that silybin dihemisuccinate acts only at the membrane level increasing its resistance and acting as a free radical scavenger.