The Protective Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Coriandrum sativum in Rats with Experimental Iron-Overload Condition

Background: Development of a new iron-chelating medication may eventually serve as treatment of iron overload diseases, such as thalassemia and other iron related disorders. Coriander sativum, a plant rich of phenol and flavonoids, has an iron-chelating effect in-vitro. The ethanolic extract of C. sativum was investigated for its in-vivo ameliorating effect on hepatic damage in rats with experimental iron overload. Methods: Twenty-four adult male wistar rats were randomly divided to 4 groups: healthy control, iron overload, iron overload treated with deferoxamine, and 200 mg/kg of C. sativum extract, respectively. Assessments were performed for serum iron, ferritin, and serum markers of hepatic and cardiac damages, antioxidant enzyme, and lipid peroxidation levels. Results: The results indicated serum iron and ferritin concentration were significantly increased in the iron overload group compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Treatment with the C. sativum extract significantly decreased iron and ferritin concentration (P < 0.05). Histopathological changes in the liver, kidney, and the cardiac system, and iron accumulation in the liver were observed in the iron overload group compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Treatment with C. sativum extract significantly decreased biochemical parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and improved tissue damage and decreased iron accumulation in the liver compared to the iron overload group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. sativum has iron-chelating and liver protective effects similar to deferoxamine against experimental iron overload condition in rats.