The Effects of Nettle Herb (Urtica Dioica L.) on the Levels of Trace Elements in the Rabbit Fur Treaties With 7,12-Dimetylbenzanthracene

Abstract

In this study the effect of nettle herb (Urtica dioica L.) on the levels of trace element (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in the rabbit fur treated with 7,12-dimetylbenzanthracene (DMBA) were investigated. The rabbit were divided into three experimental groups and one control group, each group contained seven rabbits. DMBA (0.5 ml/kg/day) were administreated IM to group A as carcinogenic compound. DMBA (0.5 ml/kg/day) were administreated IM as carcinogenic compound plus methanol extract of nettle herb (0.2 ml/kg/day) to group B, DMBA (0.5 ml/kg/day) were administreated IM as carcinogenic compound plus water extract of nettle herb (0.5 ml/kg/day) to group C and 10% dimethylsulphoxide (0.5 ml/kg/day) dissolved in normal saline solution were administrated to control group. All of the treatments were performed for five mounths to each group. The decrases in Cu levels were significant when compared with that of control group (P < 0.01). The decrases in Fe levels in water extract of DMBA+Urtica dioica L. was statistically significant compared with that of control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion. fur trace element levels of groups treated with methanol or water extract of Urtica dioica L. were less compared with that of control group but were higher compared with that of DMBA group. It was thought that Urtica dioica L. can have protective effect against damage caused by DMBA.