Aqueous Extract of Saussurea lappa Roots Alleviates Tamoxifen-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Mediated Lung Injury in Female Rats

Abstract

Tamoxifen (TMX), a selective estrogen receptor modulator used for hormone-dependent breast cancer, is therapeutically effective but may induce lung injury with physiological consequences. This study evaluated the protective potential of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract (SLRE) against TMX-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and lung damage in female rats. Twenty-four female rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 each): control, SLRE (200 mg/kg/day), TMX (40 mg/kg/day), and TMX + SLRE. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA; marker of lipid peroxidation), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured as indices of oxidative stress. Circulating inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were quantified. Lung histopathology was examined to support biochemical data.TMX administration caused a significant increase in serum MDA levels with a parallel reduction in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) compared with controls (p < 0.001). TMX also markedly elevated IL-6 and TNF-α level (p < 0.001). Co-treatment with SLRE significantly reduced oxidative damage, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, suppressed cytokine expression, and improved lung histological architecture compared with TMX alone. TMX induced substantial oxidative and inflammatory lung injury, reflected by increased lipid peroxidation, impaired antioxidant defenses, and heightened cytokine release. SLRE exerted a protective effect by mitigating oxidative stress, restoring antioxidant capacity, and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest SLRE as a promising supportive therapy for limiting TMX-induced pulmonary toxicity.