This study assessed the hepato- and nephroprotective effects of Salvia officinalis flowers decoction extract (SODE) against ethanol (EtOH)-induced oxidative stress in rats as well as the possible mechanism implicated in such protection. Animals were divided into four groups: control, EtOH, and EtOH+SODE. Wistar rats were pretreated with SODE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, body weight [b.w.], p.o.) for 15 days and intoxicated during 2 h by acute oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w.) 60 min after the last dose of SODE. We found that SODE pretreatment, in vivo, protected against EtOH-induced liver and kidney injuries evident by plasma transaminases activity and preservation of the hepatic tissue structure. Compared with the control group, the animals treated with the SODE showed a significant decrease (68.81 ± 6.89-50.65 ± 3.97 UI/L) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 144.38 ± 6.58-113.64 ± 8.03 UI/L) in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, the plant extract significantly and dose dependently increased (0.175 ± 0.077-0.302 ± 0.011 mmol/L) the uric acid. The SODE counteracted EtOH-induced liver and kidney lipoperoxidation, preserved sulfhydryl groups (-SH) and glutathione reduced (GSH) contents. Our extract prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We also showed that acute alcohol administration increased tissue and plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), calcium and free iron levels. Of interest, SODE pretreatment reversed all EtOH-induced disturbances in intracellular mediators. More importantly, SODE treatment significantly protected against alcohol-induced inflammation by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in plasma. It was concluded that the SODE exerted a potential protective effect against EtOH-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat organs. This study recommends that the consumption of sage flowers is useful for patients who suffer from hepato- and nephrotoxicity.
Keywords: Salvia officinalis; ethanol; inflammation; kidney; liver; oxidative stress.