Aqueous leafextracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens attenuated doxorubicin-induced pulmonary toxicity in Wistar rats

This study investigated the potential protective role of aqueous leafextracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against pulmonary toxicity induced by doxorubicin. To this end, the effects of these extracts on the profiles of pulmonary biomarkers, lipids and electrolytes were monitored in doxorubicin-treated rats. Doxorubicin was intraperitoneally administered at 15 mg/kg body weight (48 h prior to sacrifice); metformin was orally administered daily at 250 mg/kg body weight (for 14 days); and both extracts were orally administered daily at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg body weight (for 14 days).The concentrations of pulmonary malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, chloride and sodium of Test control were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups. However, the concentrations of pulmonary ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, magnesium and potassium as well as pulmonary catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities of Test control were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups.The administration of the extracts prevented doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in the profiles of pulmonary biomarkers of oxidative stress, cholesterol and electrolytes and maintained them within the normal ranges .Therefore, these herbal preparations from C. odorata and T. procumbens are promising candidates for the prevention/alleviation of doxorubicin-induced pulmonary toxicity.