Background and Objective: Pyrethroids (i.e., deltamethrin) are one of the most common insecticides that are used extensively in agriculture to control the insects. Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms of pesticides, including deltamethrin, in developing toxicity. Many plants contain high levels of antioxidants that can play a role in absorbing and neutralizing free radicals. The current study aimed to assess the oxidative and protective role of Salvia officinalis extract (Sage) in alleviating the detrimental effect of deltamethrin and the induced oxidative stress on the kidneys of the male rats.
Materials and Methods: In total, 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of six animals per group. Group 1 was considered the control group, and group II received deltamethrin (15mg/kg). Moreover, group III received deltamethrin and Salvia officinalis extract (100mg/kg), and group IV received deltamethrin (15mg/kg) and Salvia officinalis extract (200mg/kg). Group V received Salvia officinalis extract (100mg/kg). The treatment was extended for one month, and subsequently, the kidney tissues of all rats were evaluated to assess the malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase levels using appropriate assessment kits. It is worth mentioning that histopathological changes were also investigated in this study.
Results: The results showed that Salvia extract significantly reduced the toxic effects of deltamethrin in the kidneys of the rats. Moreover, Salvia extract significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and improved glutathione peroxidase activity. The results of kidney tissue pathology also confirmed Salvia’s protective effect against deltamethrin.
Conclusion: The protective effect of Salvia extract can be due to phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities, which can be used as an effective factor in the prevention and improvement of the toxic effects of deltamethrin.