The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Nasturtium Officinale R.Br on Antioxidant Status and DNA Damage in Liver and Kidney Rats Exposed to Arsenic.

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress has been implicated in various pathological consequences including such as cardiovascular disease , cancer, diabetes and aging. The present study investigated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium Officinale on antioxidant status and DNA damage in arsenic -induced oxidative damage in liver and kidney tissue. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study ,48 male rats were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups: Group 1: normal healthy rat, group II was treated with sodium arsenite (SA) {i.p. injection at dose of 5.5 mg/kg body weight }, group III and group IV was treated with hydroalcoholic extract of N.Officinale (via gavage) at a dose of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively , group V and group VI was treated with hydroalcoholic extract of N.Officinale (via gavage) at a dose of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively + SA. Blood samples were collected and then examined antioxidant enzymes: Catalase (CAT), Superoxiddismutase (SOD) and Glutathion Peroxidase (GPx) activities, MDA (Malondialdehyde) content, 8OHdG concentration in liver and kidney. Results: Results of current study indicates that N.Officinale consumption significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased MDA content, 8-OHdG(8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) Concentration in liver. The consumption of plant extract significantly increased the activity of GPx in kidney. Conclusions: N.Officinale (Watercress) reduces the arsenic-induced oxidative damage in liver and it has the little protective effect in kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]