Protective effect of Gossypium herbaceum linn. leaf extract on carbon tetra chloride induced oxidative stress in mice

This study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Gossypium herbaceum Linn. in Swiss albino mice subjected to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) treatment.

Oxidative stress was induced in mice through the subcutaneous administration of CCl₄ in a liquid paraffin suspension (1:2 v/v) every other day for one week at a dosage of 1 ml/kg body weight. An assessment of hepatoprotective effects was performed through the analysis of serum enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and supermalondialdehyde (MDA). The impact of administering Gossypium herbaceum Linn. at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. on these parameters was investigated. Histological examination of liver sections complemented these biochemical assessments, with silymarin as the positive control.

CCl₄ administration led to a reduction in SOD, GSH, and CAT levels and a significant increase in MDA levels, indicating oxidative degeneration. Gossypium herbaceum Linn. administration (at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly elevated antioxidant enzyme levels, including SOD, catalase, and reduced glutathione, while concurrently reducing malondialdehyde levels responsible for tissue lipid peroxidation. Histological analysis of liver sections revealed hepatic regeneration following Gossypium herbaceum Linn. administration, with results comparable to the standard drug, silymarin.

The findings suggest that G. herbaceum Linn. possesses substantial antioxidant potential against CCl4-induced oxidative stress in mice models in a dose-dependent manner.