In vitro Cytoprotective Effects of Pluchea indica L. Leaf Extract on Vero Cells against Oxidative Stress: A Comparative Study of Preventive and Curative Treatments

Abstract

Pluchea indica leaf extract (PIE) has shown promise as an anti-aging agent by extending the lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study investigated the cytoprotective effects of P. indica in Vero cells, using cells divided into preventive and curative treatment groups. In the preventive group, PIE at concentrations of 136, 68, and 34 µg/mL was administered before the addition of 40 µM or 80 µM H₂O₂. In the curative group, the same PIE concentrations were given after the addition of 400 µM or 800 µM H₂O₂. Assays were conducted to evaluate cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and caspase-3 activity. In the preventive treatment, H₂O₂ increased ROS formation by up to 70%, while PIE and ascorbic acid reduced ROS levels to 26.8% and 38%, respectively. In the curative treatment, H₂O₂ increased ROS production by 89.1%, with PIE and ascorbic acid reducing ROS levels by 36.6% and 52.2%, respectively. The percentages of cell death, apoptosis, and caspase-3 activity measured in cells under H₂O₂ stress and those treated with H₂O₂ combined with ascorbic acid and PIE showed consistent results, indicating a trend from highest to lowest compared to the control group. Notably, PIE demonstrated superior efficacy in maintaining cell viability compared to ascorbic acid. In conclusion, PIE exhibits cytoprotective properties in Vero cells, effectively mitigating oxidative stress in preventive treatments at lower concentrations and requiring higher concentrations for optimal repair in curative treatments.