Preventive and Curative Effects of Atriplex Halimus L. Aqueous Extract on Benzene Provoked Hepatic Injury in Rats

Abstract

Objective: The present study was designed to estimate the preventive and curative potency of aqueous extract of Atriplex halimus L. (Ah) aerial parts against benzene (BZ) intoxication in liver rats.
 Methods: 30 male albino rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each: Control, Ah, BZ, AhP+BZ, and BZ+AhC. BZ (100 mg/kg b.w) was added in drinking water for 15 weeks. Aqueous extract of Atriplex halimus was received intragastrically during the last 30 days of BZ exposure for curative treatment (AhC) and all the duration of BZ exposure for preventive treatment (AhP). At the end the experiment, body weight gain and relative liver weight were estimated and liver enzyme markers (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) were analysed by spectrophotometry. Histopathological studies on hepatic tissue were also performed by the method of Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.
 Results: Benzene administrated to rats caused an alteration in physiological parameters (body and organs weigh) and hepatic enzymes markers (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH). In addition, Histopathological studies showed a massive degeneration in liver tissue in BZ-exposed rats. However, treatment by Atriplex halimus especially preventive effect ameliorated most of the adverse effects induced by benzene. Ah restored the altered of physiological, biochemical and histopathological changes.
 Conclusion: The present study suggests that Atriplex halimus extract could be a substantially promising hepatoprotective agent against benzene toxic effects and may be against other hepatotoxic chemical or drugs.
 Keywords: Atriplex halimus, Benzene, hepatotoxicity, Rats.