Protective Effects of Cherry Laurel Molasses Against CCl4 Toxicity in The Brain and Kidney

Introduction: Cherry laurel, locally called “karayemiş” or “taflan,” is grown and consumed in Turkey, especially in the Eastern Black Sea region. In addition, it is used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cherry laurel molasses against oxidative damage of the brain and kidney induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Methods: A total of 18 adult male Wistar albino rats weighing approximately 250–300 g were used in the present study. The rats were divided into 3 groups: control, CCl4-treated, and CCl4-treated + cherry laurel molasses (2 mL). Cherry laurel molasses was applied as a gavage for 21 days following a single-dose CCl4 injection. The neuroprotective and nephroprotective effects of cherry laurel molasses were evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, and nitric oxide (NOx) levels using spectrophotometry. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and NOx levels (p<0.05) were increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased (p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissue of the rats in the CCl4-treated group as compared with those in the control group. Cherry laurel molasses administration (CCl4-treated + cherry laurel molasses group) resulted in a significant reduction in the MDA and NOx levels (p<0.05), and a significant increase in the SOD, GSH, and CAT activities (p<0.05), in the brain and kidney tissues as compared with the CCL4-treated group. Conclusion: Cherry laurel molasses administration has a protective effect against the oxidative damage caused by CCl4 in the brain and kidney tissue of rats.