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

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. 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, 8-OHdG concentration in liver and kidney. 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. N.Officinale (Watercress) reduces the arsenic-induced oxidative damage in liver and it has the little protective effect in kidney.