Protective effect of Withania somnifera on nandrolone decanoate-induced biochemical alterations and hepatorenal toxicity in wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Despite the beneficial effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids in the treatment of osteoporosis, hypogonadism, bone mineralization, and some muscle-wasting disorders, its misuse by athletes and non-athletes causes hepatorenal toxicity. Withania somnifera (WS) is a very important herb in Ayurveda and has adaptogenic, anticonvulsant, cytoprotective, and antioxidant properties. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to investigate the protective effect of WS also known as Ashwagandha on nandrolone decanoate (ND)-induced liver and kidney injury in Wistar rats using biochemical and histopathological assessment. Materials and Methods: Group 1 – control rats received corn oil intramuscularly, Group 2 – ND group received 16 mg/kg of ND intramuscularly, Group 3 (ND+WS100), Group 4 (ND+WS200), and Group 5 (ND+WS400) were treated with water emulsion of WS root powder (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) along with ND (16 mg/kg). All ND treatments were given twice weekly for 4 weeks. WS was diluted in distilled water and administered orally once daily for 30 days. Liver marker enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, total protein (TP), creatinine, and urea levels were evaluated followed by histopathological assessment of liver and kidney. Results: ND group showed elevated levels of liver enzymes, TP, creatinine, urea, and severe alterations in the hepatic and renal histology as compared with control. Drug treatments with WS to ND group considerably reversed liver marker enzymes, TP, creatinine, urea levels, and pathological damage caused to liver and renal tissue. Conclusion: The study findings reveal the protective role of WS on ND-induced hepatorenal toxicity implicating its antioxidant and therapeutic functions.