Ameliorative and Protective Potential of Elaeis guineensis on the Small Intestine of Adult Mice Exposed to Diazepam Toxicity

Abstract

The small intestine plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune defense, and its structural integrity is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal health. However, exposure to certain xenobiotics, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam, may induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that compromise intestinal architecture. This study investigated the ameliorative and protective potential of Elaeis guineensis on the small intestine of adult mice exposed to Diazepam-induced toxicity. Sixteen adult mice weighing between 25 g and 40 g were acclimatized for two weeks and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 4). Group A served as the control and received water and feed only. Group B received E. guineensis followed by diazepam (18.75 mg/ml) two hours later. Group C received diazepam followed by E. guineensis two hours later, while Group D received diazepam only. The experiment lasted 28 days. At the end of the study, the small intestines were harvested under anesthesia, fixed in 10% formalin, processed histologically, and stained using hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination. Histological findings showed that Groups A, B, and C maintained normal intestinal architecture characterized by intact mucosal layers and well-defined muscularis mucosa. In contrast, Group D exhibited distorted intestinal architecture, including mucosal damage and areas of hemorrhage, indicating diazepam-induced toxicity. The preservation of intestinal structure in Groups B and C suggests that E. guineensis possesses both protective and ameliorative properties against drug-induced intestinal injury. The observed effects may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals present in the plant. In conclusion, E. guineensis demonstrates significant potential in protecting the intestinal mucosa from diazepam-induced damage and may serve as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating gastrointestinal toxicity.