Method to reduce free radical-mediated tissue damage induced by caustic gas exposure using an antioxidant composition

Abstract

A free radical quenching composition is disclosed comprising a liposome containing at least two antioxidants selected from the following group: beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, niacin, and optionally at least one trace metal (Zn, Se, Cr, Cu, Mn). Also disclosed is a method for reducing the undesirable side effects of free radicals in a mammal by administering to a mammal in need of such antioxidants an effective amount of liposomes containing at least two antioxidants.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A free radical quenching composition comprising a liposome containing at least two members selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, niacin, and optionally at least one trace metal.  
     
     
         2 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, and niacin, and optionally at least one trace metal.  
     
     
         3 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said trace metal is Zn, Se, Cr, Cu, or Mn.  
     
     
         4 . A cream containing the composition according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         5 . A lotion containing the composition according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         6 . An injectable solution containing the composition according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         7 . A tablet containing the composition according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         8 . A method of delivering non-enzymatic antioxidants, comprising administering to a site in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  or  2  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         9 . A method for reducing the undesirable side effects of free radicals in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         10 . A method of treating inflammatory conditions in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         11 . A method of increasing the level of antioxidants in mammalian cells, comprising administering to mammalian cells in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         12 . A method of increasing the level of antioxidants in mammalian cells and/or organs which are ex situ awaiting transplantation, comprising administering to mammalian cells and/or organs in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         13 . A method of treating inflammatory conditions in a mammal, comprising (a) diagnosing the clinical condition of said mammal, (b) administering to said mammal in need thereof an effective amount of the composition according to  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and (c) monitoring the clinical condition of said mammal.