Effects of Chard (Beta VulgarisL. Var. Cicla) on Cardiac Damage in Valproic Acid-Induced Toxicity

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chard on valproic acid (VPA)-induced cardiac damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped as control, chard given control (100mg/kg/day, by gavage), VPA (500mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and chard given VPA (100mg/kg/day chard by gavage, 500mg/kg/day VPA, intraperitoneally). The aqueous extracts of chard leaves were given 1h prior to administration of VPA for 7 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total sialic acid (SA) levels and catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased in the VPA group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Chard administration significantly decreased MDA and SA levels in the control and in the VPA groups (P<0.05). Chard administration also significantly increased CAT activities and glutathione levels both in the control and in the VPA groups (P