Piper sarmentosum Roxb protects lungs against oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Piper sarmentosum supplementation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress in lung. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into two groups; a control and a treatment group which was given 125 mg/kg body weight P. sarmentosum orally for 28 days, after which each group was further subdivided into two groups. A group was exposed to CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight, orally), while another group was given corn oil. After 24 h, blood and lung were taken. CCl4 increased lung lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase significantly. P. sarmentosumsupplementation was able to reduce these increases. However, both CCl4 and P. sarmentosum extract did not affect lung superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, P. sarmentosum is capable in reducing the oxidative stress in lungs by decreasing lipid peroxidation and maintaining the glutathione peroxidase activity towards the normal level. Key words: Piper sarmentosum, oxidative stress, antioxidant, carbon tetrachloride.