Impact of Safflower Petals and Moringa Leaves Extracts in Experimental Hyper and Hypothyroidism in Rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the most common disorders of thyroid function. The current study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of safflower petals and moringa leaves crude ethanol extracts against thyroid dysfunctions (hyper and hypothyroidism). Materials and Methods: Forty-two rats were divided into 7 groups, control normal, hyperthyroidism control, hyper-safflower, hyper-moringa, hypothyroidism control, hypo-safflower and hypo-moringa. L-Thyroxine (0.3 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) and carbimazole (10 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were orally administrated for 3 weeks as hyperthyroid and hypothyroid inducer, respectively. Blood hemoglobin, plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), glucose, catalase activity, lipid profile as well as liver and kidney functions were assessed. Histological examination of thyroid gland was carried out. Results: The results revealed that hyper and hypothyroidism mediated decrease and increase in TSH values, respectively. Oral administrations of either safflower petals extract or moringa leaves extract improve plasma levels of TSH. Oxidative stress and disturbance in plasma glucose, lipid profile as well as liver and kidney functions were occurred in conjunction with thyroid dysfunctions especially hypothyroidism. Administration of safflower petals extract or moringa leaves extract alleviates the reduction in catalase activity, hyperglycemia and disturbance in lipid profile as well as liver and kidney functions accompanied with thyroid dysfunctions especially hypothyroidism. Conclusion: The studied extracts have prophylactic potential against thyroid dysfunctions and the subsequent oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and changes in lipid profile. Crude ethanol extract of safflower petals was promising as prophylactic agents in hyper and hypothyroidism as observed by improving plasma levels of TSH, lipid profile and histopathological changes.