Plantago major protective effects on antioxidant status after administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in rats

Abstract

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate effects of Plantago major extract on oxidative status in Wistar albino rats administrated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Methods: Rats were divided into three equal groups of 6 animals each: Group 1 controls, group 2 treated with DMBA (100 mg/kg, single dose) and group 3 receiving the DMBA and the aqueous extract at 100 mg/kg/d for 60 days. Results: Significant decrease in catalase (P<0.05), carbonic anhydrase (p≤0.01), reduced glutathione (GSH) (P<0.01) and total protein (P<0.01) values was observed in the DMBA group compared with the healthy controls and DMBA + Plantago major groups. Conclusion: The results suggest preventive effects of Plantago major on DMBA induced oxidative damage in Wistar albino rats that might be due to decreased free radical generation.