In vitro DNA protective potential of forskolin on hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals-induced DNA damage

Forskolin (7β-Acetoxy-8,13-epoxy-1α,6β,9α-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) is the labdane diterpenoid found only in the root of the plant Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Lamiaceae). This plant has been used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases such as heart, intestinal and respiratory disorders. Forskolin has been studied for its broad range of pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activity. However forskolin has not been evaluated for DNA protective potential against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals-induced DNA damage. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the in vitro DNA protective activity of forskolin in different concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage with Fe²⁺ and H₂O₂ and peroxyl radical-induced DNA damage with 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Forskolin showed DNA-protective effects at all tested concentrations. This indicates that forskolin had the same ability to inhibit peroxyl as well as hydroxyl radicals and that it possessed a DNA-protective effect against hydroxyl- and peroxyl radicals induced DNA damage.