Differential effect of Taraxacum officinale L. (dandelion) root extract on hepatic and testicular tissues of rats exposed to ionizing radiation

Exposure to high doses of radiation negatively impacts on human organs. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) L. has been used as a traditional folk. This study was to investigate the effect of dandelion root extract (DRE) on radiation -induced hepatic and testicular tissues injury. Animals were exposed to 8.5 Gy of gamma radiation applied as a shot dose and DRE (200 mg/kg/day), was orally supplemented to rats 14 days before and after irradiation. The results showed that DRE administration attenuated oxidative stress in the liver and testis denoted by a significant reduction in the level of MDA and PCO with a marked elevation in GSH and the activity of SOD, CAT and Gpx. Moreover, DRE administration showed positive modulation in the activity of PNPase, GLDH and GSH-Ts. Additionally, these alterations were associated with a significant decrease in the activity of ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH with a marked increase of AL level. Further, elevated levels of testosterone, LH and inhibin B, as well as StAR and P450scc gene expression and Zn level with a decrease of FSH level were noticed. Also, DRE reduced the level of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and caspase-3. Also administration of DRE significance diminished the histopathological changes in the hepatic and testicular tissues, denoted by a reduction in the necrotic and degenerative changes of hepatocytes or fibrinoid necrosis of congested central vein and improving the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue between the tubules of the testis. In conclusion, treatment with DRE pre-irradiation is effective on both liver and testicular tissues of rats. Meanwhile, in the case of post-radiation administration, DRE was more effective on testicular tissue than liver. So we suggest that it is better to use the dandelion before exposure to radiation rather than after it.