The Antioxidant Role of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruits in Ameliorating the Oxidative Stress Induced in γ-Irradiated Male Rats

Abstract

Based on the radioprotective effect of substance possessing antioxidant effect previously reported, it was hypothesized that mulberry fruit, a substance possessing antioxidant activity, might be able to protect against oxidative stress induced by γ-rays. Gamma-irradiation (2.5 Gy×3 delivered every other day) resulted in a significant decrease in hepatic Glutathione contents (GSH), Xanthine Dehydrogenase (XDH), Superoxides Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activity, the level of insulin and testosteroneC as well as the concentration of High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, a remarkable increase in the Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, xanthine oxidase activity, the activity of some liver enzymes, the level of glucose and the concentrations of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), low density- and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was observed in γ-irradiated rats. In contrast, administration of Mulberry Fruit Powder (MFP) to γ-irradiated rats was found to offer protection against γ-irradiation induced oxidative stress, by elevating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, enhancing liver function, in addition to improving the lipid metabolism. All results in this study suggested that mulberry fruit had high potential to be developed as radio protective agent.