Abstract: AIM: To investigate the role of β-elemene as an antioxidant in the damage of HUVEC and hyperlipemia quail. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) was treated either with 0.5 mmol/L of H₂O₂ alone or with β-elemene for 24 h followed by 0.5 mmol/L of H₂O₂ for 2 h. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured; Hyperlipemia model of quail were established by feeding high fat diet. The levels of SOD, MDA and nitric oxide(NO) in the serum were measured. RESULTS: The levels of ROS and MDA decreased while the level of SOD increased in HUVEC after treated with β-elemene. Compared with the model group, β-elemene decreased serum MDA level, increased serum SOD activity and NO level of quail significantly. CONCLUSION: β-elemene mediates antioxidant effects on the oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ in vitro; β-elemene has preventive effect on hyperlipemia quail.

Key words: β-elemene, Human umbilical vein endothelial cell, Quail, Antioxidant