Protective effects of Sonchus asper [L.] against KBrO[3]-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

ABSTRACT

Sonchus asper is used traditionally in the treatment of kidney inflammation, hormonal imbalance and impotency. Sonchus asper methanolic extract [SAME] was investigated for its possible preventive effect against potassium bromate [KBrO[3]] induced oxidative damages in male rats using biochemical, molecular and histopathological markers in this study. 5 groups, each group of 6 rats were taken kept under standard conditions. Group 1 remained untreated while Group II was given 20 mg/kg KBrO[3] orally [in aqueous saline] and Group III, and IV were treated with 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., of SAME after 48 h of KBrO[3] treatment. KBrO[3] administration in rats significantly altered [P<0.01] the serum level of reproductive hormones, activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents [GSH], which was significantly reversed P<0.001] by co-treatment of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w., SAME. Administration of SAME in rats also significantly P<0.001] reversed the lipid peroxidation induced by KBrO[3] in rats, which could be due to the presence of some plant bioactive constituents