Effect of Launaea procumbens on thyroid glands lipid peroxidation and hormonal dysfunction: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND

Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Amin is traditionally used in Pakistan for the treatment of hormonal disorders and oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Launaea procumbens methanol extract (LPME) against KBrO-induced oxidative stress and hormonal dysfunction in thyroid.

METHODS

To examine the effects of LPME against the oxidative stress of KBrO in thyroid tissue, 36 male albino rats were used. Protective effects of LPME were observed on thyroid hormonal levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and DNA damage.

RESULTS

Treatment with KBrO significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the levels of T (55.13 ± 1.93) and T (14.7 ± 1.78) and increased TSH (55.13 ± 1.93) levels. KBrO exposure in rats reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz.; CAT (1.16 ± 0.08); SOD (12.0 ± 0.08), GST (17.7 ± 1.1) and GSR (54.3 ± 2.1) but increased lipid peroxidation (20.3 ± 0.71) and DNA (30.4 ± 2.0) damage. Co-administration of LPME significantly (P < 0.01) improved these alterations with respect to hormonal levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation close to those seen in control rats.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that LPME can protect thyroid tissue against oxidative damage, possibly through the antioxidant effects of its bioactive compounds.