Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale R.Br (Watercress) on antioxidant status and DNA damage in kidney of rats exposed to sodium arsenite

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assessment of effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale R.Br (Watercress) on sodium arsenite-induced renal toxicity, antioxidant status and DNA damage in rat males. Sodium arsenite(SA)[ at dose of 5.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. injection ] exposure led to significantly (p<0.05)increased serum uric acid, MDA(Malondialdehyde) and decreased serum TAC(total antioxidant capacity) and antioxidant enzymes in blood and kidney. In addition SA significantly increased 8-OHdG(Marker of oxidative DNA damage) in serum(p<0.05). The consumption of plant extract (500 mg/kg body weight via gavage) increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and TAC and decreased MDA, uric acid and 8 -OHdG levels in serum. The findings indicate that the plant extract might have protective effects on arsenic induced damaged in serum and kidney function. é 2013 AENSI Publisher All rights reserved.