Centella asiatica extract's role in attenuating gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress in male rats

Centella asiatica (CA), commonly known as Asiatic pennywort, is renowned for its robust pharmacological effects, characterized by potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a 70 % ethanol extract derived from CA leaves in protecting male rats from radiation-induced oxidative stress.

Thirty-two albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into eight groups. Three groups received different concentrations of Centella asiatica (CA) extract-50 mg/kg body weight (bw), 100 mg/kg bw, and 125 mg/kg bw-for eight consecutive days. Each of these groups, along with untreated groups, was either subjected to irradiation or left unexposed. The experimental groups included a control group, an irradiation-only group (IR), CA extract treatment-only groups, and groups pre-treated with CA extract followed by exposure to 6 Gy of gamma radiation. Twenty-four hours after irradiation, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in plasma, liver, and small intestinal tissues. the efficacy of CA extract in preventing radiation-induced histopathological alterations in the liver and small intestine was also assessed.

Pre-treatment with CA extract at 100 mg/kg body weight prior to radiation exposure (CA 100 mg/kg bw + IR) significantly increased GSH levels in both plasma and intestinal tissues compared to the irradiation-only (IR) group. Significantly lower MDA levels were observed in the intestines of rats pre-treated with CA extract at all tested doses compared to the IR group. The intestinal villi height in rats pretreated with CA extract and subsequently exposed to irradiation was not significantly greater than in rats exposed to radiation only. However, significant differences in intestinal crypt depth were observed in the groups that received CA extract prior to 6 Gy irradiation.

Overall, pre-treatment with CA extract at 100 mg/kg body weight was the most effective dose in mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress across the examined tissues. These findings support the conclusion that CA extract significantly attenuates radiation-induced oxidative damage, particularly in the intestinal tissue.