Fereshteh Ezzatighadi

Abstract Background and purpose: Gamma radiation can affect the content of phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gamma irradiated chichorium intybus L. root extract to protect against carbon tetra-chloride (CCl4) induced kidneys and testes injury. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into six groups according to treatment: I) control, II) CCl4 (1ml/kg body weight by intraperitoneal injection (IP)), III) gamma irradiated chicory root extract (500 mg/ kg body weight) + CCl4, IV) non-irradiated chicory root extract (500 mg/kg body weight) + CCl4, V) gamma irradiated chicory root extract, and VI) non-irradiated chicory root extract. The level of BUN and creatinine, and also histological study of kidney and testis tissues were estimated twenty-four hours after the last treatment at the end of four weeks. Results: Gamma irradiated chicory root extract significantly decreased elevated level of BUN and creatinine in the serum of CCl4 treated rats. Histological evaluation revealed that gamma and non-irradiated chicory root extract treatment to CCl4 rats demonstrated reduce Bowman’s space and basement thickening of kidney. Moreover, the results showed the normalization of testes of CCl4 treated animals in group III and IV. Conclusion: The gamma irradiated chicory root showed kidney and testis protection against CCl4 in rats. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that chicory has a potent protective effect more than non-irradiated chicory root extract due to containing phenolic content