African lettuce is a natural treatment for liver disease

Research has found that the leaf extract of African lettuce (Launaea taraxacifolia) contains natural antioxidant properties that can be used to fight oxidative stress and diseases associated with DNA damage. The study, which was published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, examined the plant’s antioxidant potential and how it could protect against DNA oxidative damage.

• The leaf extract of African lettuce (Launaea taraxacifolia) has been used to treat dyslipidemia and liver diseases, which are associated with oxidative stress, but information on its antioxidant and DNA-protecting abilities are limited.
• Researchers from the Republic of Ghana examined the antioxidant capacity and DNA-protecting ability of the leaf extract of African lettuce in vitro through various tests.
• The results of the tests revealed that the leaf extract of African lettuce possesses DNA protective properties and antioxidant activity.
• The leaf extract of African lettuce also exhibited a strong capability for DNA damage protection.

In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that the extract of African lettuce leaves can potentially be used as a therapeutic agent in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage, such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To read more stories on herbal medicines like the African lettuce, visit AlternativeMedicine.news today.

Journal Reference:

Adinortey MB, Ansah C, Weremfo A, Adinortey CA, Adukpo GE, Ameyaw EO, Nyarko AK. DNA DAMAGE PROTECTING ACTIVITY AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF LAUNAEA TARAXACIFOLIA LEAVES EXTRACT. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine. 29 January 2018; 9(1): 6-13. DOI: 10.4103/jnsbm.JNSBM_22_17