RESUMO
Convicine glycoside is hydrolyzed by intestinal microflora to highly reactive free- radical generation compound isouramil. Isouramil has been strongly implicated as the causative agent of favism. Biological studies were conducted to determine some physiological and biochemical properties of convicine isolated from faba beans. The results obtained revealed that the tested oral dose of convicine [2 mg/100g b.wt.] showed significant increase in W.B.Cs, while it caused significant decrease in serum glucose. The analysis of serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphate showed that convicine causes significant increases. The results also showed that there were a significant decrease in the level of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. There were, also significant decreases in serum and tissue malondialdhyde [MDA]. While a significant increase in blood and tissue glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity was found. On the other hand, there was, significant increase in plasma nitric oxide level. From the results we can conclude that convicine had certain beneficial effects as a good antioxidant agent