Alleviation of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide induced oxidative stress by Oroxylum indicum (L.) leaf extract in albino Wistar rats

Background: 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) is a mutagen known to be responsible for causing cancer by generating oxidative stress in humans. Oroxylum indicum (L.) possesses various bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. In this connection, the present study aims to analyze the alleviation of 4-NQO induced oxidative stress in albino Wistar rats using O. indicum (L.) leaf extract. Methods: O. indicum (L.) belonging to the family Bignoniaceae, has anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we observed severe oxidative stress in 4-NQO induced albino Wistar rats when compared to untreated control. Alleviation of this condition was seen after the oral administration of O. indicum (L.) leaf extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. Results: 4-NQO (50 ppm) administration in drinking water resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cellular damage, lipid peroxidation and imbalance in antioxidant status. Administration of O. indicum (L.) leaf extract has alleviated the level of 4-NQO induced oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant status and decreasing the elevation of liver markers in serum. Conclusions: Results clearly suggest that O. indicum (L.) leaf extract when administered orally in a dose dependent manner has the ability to overcome the oxidative stress induced by 4-NQO with hepatoprotective and lipid protective properties.