The role of Nardostachys jatamansi against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats

This investigation elucidated the role of free radicals in doxorubicin-induced toxicity and protection by Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ). Adult male albino wistar rats were administered with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg; i.p.) and NJ (500 mg/kg, orally) for seven days. At the end of the experiment, following decapitation, heart and liver tissue samples were taken for histological examination, determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In addition, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) was assayed in plasma samples. The results reveal that doxorubicin caused a significant decrease in GSH level, significant increases in MDA level and MPO activity. Similarly, plasma cytokine level was elevated in doxorubicin group compared with the control group. On the other hand NJ pretreatment reversed all these biochemical indices. The results demonstrate that NJ extract, by balancing the oxidant-antioxidant status and inhibiting the generation of proinflammatory cytokine, protects against doxorubicin-induced oxidative organ injury.Key words: Nardostachys jatamansi, doxorubicin, cytokine, glutathione, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase