Protective effect of Corchorus olitorius leaves against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rat brain

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of an aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves (AECO) against NaAsO2 induced brain toxicity in experimental rats. The animals exposed to NaAsO2 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 10 days exhibited a significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione levels in rat brain. In addition, the toxin increased (p < 0.01) the levels of oxidized glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the brain tissue of experimental rats. Treatment with AECO (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days prior to arsenic intoxication significantly improved antioxidant markers in a dose dependant manner. Histological studies on the ultrastructural changes of brain tissue supported the protective activity of the AECO. The results suggest that treatment with AECO prior to arsenic intoxication has a significant role in protecting animals from arsenic-induced toxicity.