Protective Effect of Galangal Root Oil Against H₂O₂-Induced Oxidative Stress and Tnfα Activation in Rat Liver

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of biology, Education college for Women, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.

2 Department of biology, College of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.

3 Department of clinical laboratory science, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.

10.21608/eajbsc.2025.458334

Abstract

Galangal root oil (GRO) is an essential oil that is used in herbal medicine to overcome certain illness symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of GRO against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in a rat model. 24 adult male albino rats (180-200g BW) were randomly divided into four groups (n= 6): control (0.1 normal saline.), oxidative stress (1% H2O2 in drinking water, (GRO0.1ml/rat orally), and finally GRO+H₂O₂ (GRO 0.1ml + 1%H2O2). The experiment lasted 30 days. liver tissues were collected for biochemical analysis (GSH-Px, MDA, and 8-OHdG), TNFα gene expression and histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. Rats exposed to H₂O₂ showed significantly increased oxidative stress markers and decreased antioxidant activity, accompanied by marked cytological and pathological changes and strong TNFα expression. GRO supplementation alon leads to increase cell proliferation, reduced oxidative DNA damage and attenuated lipid peroxidation. Co-administration of GRO with H2O2 partially restored oxidative stress. toward control values and alleviated liver tissue damage.  In conclusion, GRO exhibits protective effect against H2O2 induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity, potentially via modulation of TNFα activity.

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