Protective Effect of Echinops persicus Extract on Oxidative Stress Enzymes in Various Rat Tissues after Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxication

Medicinal plants have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of various oxidative stress-related disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Echinops persicus (Ec.P) extract on catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in different rat tissues after carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication. A total of 38 rats weighing 180-210 g were randomly divided into eight groups of five. Rats in group 1 received only a standard diet and served as the control group, those in group 2 were given olive oil, and the rats in group 3 received olive oil + CCl4. Groups 4 to 8 were experimental groups. Rats of the experimental groups received olive oil + CCl4 in a ratio of 1 : 1 v/v daily for 7 days. After this period, vitamins C and E were given in 10 mg/kg doses to groups 4 and 5, respectively. Rats of groups 6, 7, and 8 were also treated with 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight of Ec.P extract, respectively, for the next seven days. The kidney, liver, and heart supernatants of all rats were used to measure enzyme activities. Results: Decreased activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx were found in the liver, kidney, and heart after CCl4 intoxication. The aqueous extract of Ec.P showed a significant protective effect by elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, compared to vitamins C and E in a dose and tissue-dependent manner. The obtained results of the current study highlighted the protective effect of Ec.P extract on antioxidant enzyme activities. The Ec.P could probably be significant in treating oxidative stress-related disorders.