Background and purpose: In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) against GM-induced mitochondrial dysfunction on isolated rat kidney mitochondria.

Materials and methods: In this study, 36 Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6 per group): control, solvent, GM (80 mg/kg IP), and GM and three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day, IP) of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of watercress. After 10 consecutive days of injection, the animals were killed and kidney tissues were separated. Then, the mitochondria were isolated using different centrifuge technique and the parameters of mitochondrial damage were evaluated.

Results: Administration of GM for 10 days resulted in decrease in mitochondrial function in MTT test and also the glutathione content in kidney isolated mitochondria. Compared with the control group, increase in lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial swelling was observed in GM group. The Nasturtium officinale extract could significantly reduce (dose dependent) the increase in glutathione oxidation, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial swelling due to GM on kidney isolated mitochondria.

Conclusion: With the considering the protective effects of Nasturtium officinale in attenuating GM-induced mitochondrial damage, it can be suggested for prevention of pathological condition caused by mitochondrial damage.