Barley Grass (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L.) Protects against Dieldrin-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rat

Abstract

The objective in this article was to evaluate the total phenol and proanthocyanidin contents of Fresh Hordeum vulgare L. grass aqueous extract (HGAE) and to determine its antioxidant capacity, using standard phytochemical methods. It aimed also to determine the protective capacity of this extract against dieldrin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rat. The animals were separated into six groups: control (C), dieldrin (6 mg/kg i.p) (D), HGAE (10 and 20 ml/kg, orally) and D plus HGAE (HGAEII+D). The experiment lasted 10 days. Our results indicated that total phenol and proanthocyanidin contents, were higher in aqueous barley grass extract. Dieldrin-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney was indicated by marked increase in lipid peroxidation, reduction in the catalase activity and thiol group levels (-SH). Pretreatment with HGAE significantly reduces these alterations. HGAE was also found subsequently to provide a protection against dieldrin-induced hepatic and renal injury respectively by averting the hepatocyte deep necrotic lesions and improving renal tubular and glomerular architecture. It also restored serum lipid profile and liver and kidney relative weights. We concluded that aqueous extract of barley grass has the potential to ameliorate liver and kidney injury induced by dieldrin mainly through its potent antioxidant properties due to its richness in phenolic compounds.