Protective effects of Pelargonium sidoides against oxidative stress and inflammation in experimental mesenteric...

Pelargonium sidoides is traditionally used in South African herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract infections and has been commercialized in over 50 countries as EPs^® 7630. While most clinical applications focus on respiratory conditions, the extract's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest broader therapeutic potential. Mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a serious complication during surgery and acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protective effects of Pelargonium sidoides root extract against oxidative stress and inflammation that may occur during IRI. Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were equally divided into three groups: control, mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) and Pelargonium sidoides supplemented MIR (PS + MIR). The PS + MIR group received 30 mg/kg Pelargonium sidoides extract daily by intragastric gavage for 14 days before MIR induction. Small intestinal tissues were collected after the IRI procedure. Compared to controls, both MIR and PS + MIR groups showed increased levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase inhibition rate, while catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels were decreased. However, these markers were significantly improved in the PS + MIR group compared to the MIR group. Histopathologically, severe damage such as villus deformation, epithelial loss, edema, hemorrhage and necrosis were observed in the MIR group, while only mild tissue irregularities were observed in the PS + MIR group. Pelargonium sidoides root extract has demonstrated a prophylactic protective effect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in experimental mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury.