Abstract
Introduction: Alcohol-induced toxicity causes heightened oxidative stress, leading to increased lipid peroxidation and impaired antioxidant defenses, which damage cellular membranes and enzyme functions. Naringenin, a flavonoid in citrus fruits, has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. This study investigated the potential protective effects of naringenin against alcohol-induced toxicity in rats, focusing on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, and membrane enzyme activity.
Methods: Four groups of male Wistar rats were used: Control (saline), Alcohol (ethanol), Naringenin (50 mg/kg), and Naringenin+Alcohol. Ethanol was administered for four weeks to induce toxicity, and naringenin was given orally during the final two weeks. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant state, and membrane enzyme activity were evaluated in blood samples.
Results: Compared with the Control group, the Alcohol group showed notably greater lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defenses. The Naringenin+Alcohol group exhibited a significant decrease in LPO and a marked increase in antioxidant enzyme activity compared with the Alcohol group. Membrane-bound enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), also exhibited noticeably greater activity in the Naringenin+Alcohol group than in the Alcohol group.
Conclusion: Naringenin mitigates alcohol-induced damage by reducing LPO, increasing antioxidant defenses, and improving membrane enzyme activity. It has a protective role against alcohol-related oxidative stress and may help manage alcohol-induced damage, warranting further research for potential clinical applications.