Possible Protective Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil against Sodium Nitrite in Rats; A Biochemical and Genetic Study

Objective: The aim of our study was to test the protective effect of pumpkin seed oil against sodium nitrite toxicity in rats. Methods: Forty eight adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The rats were administered daily 100 mg/kg/day sodium nitrite in presence/absence of 1.5 ml/kg/day pumpkin seed oil for 5 weeks. Results: The results indicated that sodium nitrite induced oxidative stress, lipids profile disorders, DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities. The pumpkin seed oil has antioxidant effect; it improved levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and lipids profile. It also has antimutagenic effect; it decreased the DNA damage and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil can ameliorate the toxic effects induced by sodium nitrite.