In-vitro assessment of the antioxidant potentials of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12): A comparative study with ascorbic acid

Abstract

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B₁₂, which is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and available as a dietary supplement as well as prescription medication to manage some illnesses. This study aimed to examine the ability of cyanocobalamin to scavenge free radicals using in vitro methods in comparison to ascorbic acid (control). Biochemical tests such as 1'1 diphenyl-2 picryl hydrazine (DPPH) radical, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Fe²⁺ chelation, hydroxyl radical (OH^•), nitric oxide (NO^•), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays were carried using established procedures. The results revealed that ascorbic acid control scavenged DPPH radical (EC₅₀ = 1.514 mM) and OH^• radical (EC₅₀ = 1.562 mM) better than cyanocobalamin (EC₅₀ = 3.751 mM), (EC₅₀ = 1.942 mM) while cyanocobalamin chelated Fe²⁺ (EC₅₀ = 3.849 mM), scavenged NO^• radical (EC₅₀ = 1.812 mM) and also inhibited lipid peroxidation (EC₅₀ = 1.787 mM) better than the ascorbic acid. No significant difference was observed (p < 0.05) as both the cyanocobalamin and ascorbic acid control had similar FRAP. These findings suggest that cyanocobalamin may be utilized as a supplement to manage oxidative stress- mediated diseases.