Effect of Cannabis Sativa Leaf on Oxidative Stress and the Recovery Period in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract This study investigated the effect of CS on oxidative stress and the recovery period in male rats. Forty rats (170 g ± 1.24) were separately assigned into four groups of ten animals each, such that the rats in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received orally 1 ml of distilled water, 2mg, 4mg and 6mg of CS respectively for two weeks. Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined using standard methods. High dose (6 mg) and low doses (2mg and 4 mg) of CS significantly decrease catalase, SOD, GPx, GSH, TAC and significantly increase MDA and LDH levels when compared with the control. However, all the groups treated with low doses showed no significant difference in all the parameters when compared with the control after treatment. In conclusion, it could be deduced that these alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers were dependent on the doses of CS consumed. However, groups treated with low doses were able to recover from the damages caused by CS after treatment. This study recommends that people should abstain from the consumption of CS due to its detrimental effect in the body.