Hepatotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Sodium Arsenite and Cyclophosphamide in Rats: Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Adansonia digitata L. Fruit Pulp

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the protective effects of the aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata (AEFAD) in sodium arsenite (SA) and cyclophosphamide (CP) induced hepatotoxicity and clastogenicity in rats. Study Design/Methodology: Fifty four male Wistar rats were distributed into nine groups (A-I) of six animals each. Group A received distilled water and normal diet, Groups B received SA at 2.5 mg/kg body weight, Group C received CP at 10 mg/kg body weight, Groups D –I received the extract alone and with SA or CP. Results: A statistically significant (P <0.05) higher levels of: mean γGT, ALT and AST activities, number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (nMPCEs) scored in the bone marrow cells, proliferation of hepatic cells and lipid peroxidation were observed in rats exposed to (SA) or (CP) as compared with the control. Treatment with AEFAD along with SA or CP significantly (P <0.05) reduced the effects of the toxins on the above indices. Observations made with histological analysis of the liver sections revealed lesions ranging from general congestion, mild periportal cellular infiltration and hepatic necrosis to severe congestion in the treated groups. Conclusion: Findings from this study therefore reaffirmed the hepatoxicity and clastogenicity of SA and CP and revealed that AEFAD can ameliorate these toxicities in rats.