Protective Effects of Cherry Laurel Molasses Against CCl4 Toxicity in
The Brain and Kidney
Abstract
Introduction: Cherry laurel, locally called “karayemiş” or “taflan,”
is grown and consumed in Turkey, especially in the Eastern Black Sea
region. In addition, it is used as a traditional medicine in the
treatment of various diseases. The present study aimed to investigate
the protective effect of cherry laurel molasses against oxidative damage
of the brain and kidney induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.
Methods: A total of 18 adult male Wistar albino rats weighing
approximately 250–300 g were used in the present study. The rats were
divided into 3 groups: control, CCl4-treated, and CCl4-treated + cherry
laurel molasses (2 mL). Cherry laurel molasses was applied as a gavage
for 21 days following a single-dose CCl4 injection. The neuroprotective
and nephroprotective effects of cherry laurel molasses were evaluated by
measuring lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, and nitric oxide
(NOx) levels using spectrophotometry. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and
NOx levels (p<0.05) were increased, and superoxide dismutase
(SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased
(p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissue of the rats in the
CCl4-treated group as compared with those in the control group. Cherry
laurel molasses administration (CCl4-treated + cherry laurel molasses
group) resulted in a significant reduction in the MDA and NOx levels
(p<0.05), and a significant increase in the SOD, GSH, and CAT
activities (p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissues as
compared with the CCL4-treated group. Conclusion: Cherry laurel molasses
administration has a protective effect against the oxidative damage
caused by CCl4 in the brain and kidney tissue of rats.