Antioxidant Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract on Acute Liver and Kidney Injuries Induced by D-Galactosamine in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Liver and kidney injuries are major health concerns worldwide, often resulting from oxidative stress and inflammation. Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root extract (TOE) is traditionally recognized for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. However, its potential role in mitigating acute liver and kidney injuries induced by D-galactosamine (D-GaIN) remains underexplored. Objective: This study aims to investigate the antioxidant effects of Taraxacum officinale root extract on acute liver and kidney injuries induced by D-GaIN in male rats, evaluating its efficacy in both curative and prophylactic treatment strategies. Method: Fifty Albino adult male rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (D-GaIN): Rats were injected with a single dose of D-Galactosamine (D-GaIN) (300 mg/kg i.p.) on the 1st day and followed the vehicle (0.5 ml. distilled water/kg/day) by gavage needle for consecutive 21 days. Group 3 (curative treatment): Rats were injected with a single dose of D-GaIN (300 mg/kg i.p.) on the 1st day and followed by TOE (600 mg/kg/day) by gavage needle for consecutive 21 days in Group 4 (D-GaIN on the 21st): Rats were received the vehicle (0.5 ml. distilled water /kg/day) by gavage needle for period 21 days and followed by injection of D-GaIN (300 mg/kg i.p.) single dose on 21st day. Group 5 (prophylactic treatment): Rats were treated by TOE (600 mg/kg/day) by gavage needle for a period of 21 days, followed by injection of D-GaIN (300 mg/kg i.p.) single dose on the 21st day. Liver and kidney function markers, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT) were analyzed. Results: The administration of Taraxacum officinale root extract significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and kidney function markers (urea, creatinine) induced by D-GaIN. Additionally, the extract lowered inflammatory cytokines and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, as demonstrated by decreased MDA levels and increased GSH, SOD, and CAT concentrations. analysis revealed notable improvements in liver and kidney enzyme levels, supporting the extract’s protective effects. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Taraxacum officinale root extract exhibits strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and organ-protective properties, mitigating D-GaIN-induced hepatic and renal injuries. These results support its potential curative and prophylactic applications in oxidative stress-related organ damage, warranting further investigation for clinical use.