Effect of Nettle Herb on the Levels of Trace Elements in Rabbits Induced with Dimethylbenzanthracene

Abstract

In this study, the effects of nettle herb on the levels of trace elements in rabbits induced with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene were studied. Twenty one female New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. The rabbits were divided into three groups. Experiment period was designated as 150 days. The dimethyl sulfoxide (10 %) solution with the dosage of 0.5 mL/kg/day was applied in the control group and 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (10 %) solution was applied as 0.5 mL/kg/day in the 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene group. In addition to 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, the extract of nettle herb was applied as 0.2 mL/kg/day to the other group. The blood samples were taken in the end of the experiment. It was determined that there were varying decreases in all tissues of zinc and manganese levels in the 7,12- dimethylbenzanthracene applied group in comparison with the control data, whereas there were increases in all tissues of iron and copper levels. On the other hand, while zinc concentration decreased in all tissues in the nettle herb + 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene group, manganese, iron and copper concentrations showed an increase in all tissues.