The Effect of Melissa officinalis Hydro Alcoholic Extract on Liver Enzymes, Markers of Kidney Function and Testosterone in Lead Poisoned Rats

Abstract

Background: Lead, one of the most important environmental pollutants, can induce a broad range of physiological dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of the Melissa officinalis plant extract on biomarkers of liver and kidney function as well as serum testosterone concentration in lead-exposed male rats. Methods: We used 40 Wistar rats and divided them into 5 groups. The control group received saline (1 mL/kg) by gastric gavage and 30 minutes later received saline (1 mL/kg) through i.p injection. The lead group received saline (1 mL/kg) by gastric gavage and 30 minutes later received i.p injection of lead acetate (20 mg/kg). The treatment groups received different doses of M. officinalis alcoholic extract (20, 100, and 500 mg/kg, respectively) by gastric gavage and 30 min later received i.p injection of lead acetate (20 mg/kg). The rats were treated for 5 days and then twenty -four hours after the last injection, blood samples were collected for the measurement of urea, creatinine, uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and testosterone. Data analysis was performed through SPSS (version 16). Results: Melissa extract (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced liver enzymes and kidney function markers when compared to the lead group. Treatment with Melissa extract (100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased serum testosterone concentration compared to the lead group. Conclusion: The biochemical results of this study showed that M. officinalis may be beneficial in lead-induced liver and kidney dysfunction.