ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of crude leaf extract of Urtica dioica on some biochemical parameters (Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, Nitric Oxide and Glutathione) of doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity in albino rats.20 experimental Wistar rats were used for this study. After three weeks of acclimatization, the rats were randomly grouped into four (4) of five (5) rats per group. Cardiotoxicity was induced in the experimental rats(Groups II. Ill, and IV) by interperitional administration of doxorubicin of 15mg/kg body dose and were orally administered for three weeks with methanol leaf extract of Urtica dioica (300mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight). Group I was not induced with doxorubicin nor treated with crude leaf extract of Urtica dioica and they served as control group. Group II was induced with doxorubicin alone (15mg/kg) and no treatment was given. Group III was also induced with doxorubicin (15mg/kg) and was treated with low dose (300mg/kg) ofcrude leafextract of Urtica dioica. Group IV was also induced with doxorubicin (15mg/g) and was treated with high dose (600g/kg) ofcrude leafextract of Urtica dioica. Some biochemical parameters (oxidative stress biomarkers) were determined at the end of the administration and were compared to the control group. The group that was administered doxorubicin alone showed a significant difference (P<0.05) (increase) in Catalase and Nitric Oxide while it also showed a significant difference (P<0.05) (decrease) in Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione and no significant difference (P<0.05) was recorded in Malondialdehyde when compared to the normal control group. The group that was administered doxorubicin and treated with low dose (300mg/kg) of Urtica dioica showed a significant difference (P<0.05) (increase) in Nitric Oxide and Malondialdehyde while it showed no significant difference in (P<0.05) in Catalase, Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase when compared to the control groups. The group that was administered doxorubicin and treated with high dose of Urtica dioica showed significant difference (P<0.05) (decrease) in Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase while no significant difference (P<0.05) was recorded in Malondialdehyde. There was significant difference (P<0.05) (increase) in Nitric Oxide when compared to control group. However, the extract showed various effect and these effects were dose dependent and was more pronounced in Low dose. The result ofthis study suggests that crude leafextract of Urtica dioica could advance the development of new anti-cardiotoxic drugs.