Teucrium polium leaves extract reduces nicotine-induced histopathological and biochemical alteration in the spleen via amelioration of antioxidant biomarker

ABSTRACT Nicotine, the most toxic factor in tobacco, can damage a wide range of biological molecules by inducing oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Teucrium polium Leaves extract (TPLE) against the toxic properties of nicotine in the spleen of mice. Twenty-four mice were equally divided into four groups (n = 6): normal control, TPLE (100mg/kg), nicotine (2.5mg/kg), and TPLE plus nicotine-treated groups (once a day) for 3 weeks. The spleen index and spleen homogenate of sacrificed mice obtained on day 21 were used to assess the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Nicotine administration causes spleen homogenate levels of malondialdehyde, nitrite oxide, and spleen index to increase significantly, while glutathione levels are significantly reduced. TPLE administration improved these changes by ameliorating antioxidant biomarkers via lowering MDA and NO content and elevating GSH levels. The histological sections showed normal architecture of the mice spleen treated with T. polium extract, but a further distortion in those that received nicotine only. However, improved morphology was seen in the group treated with TPLE extract and nicotine when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that using T. polium helps protect the spleen against the hazardous effects of nicotine.