Therapeutic Protection of Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepato-Nephro Toxicity by <i>Syzygium cumini</i> (Seed) Ethanolic Extract (SCEE) in Charles Foster Rats

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is an environmental toxin distributed in groundwater which is presently a global concern. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SCEE in the mitigation of arsenic-induced hepato-renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats. Thirty male Charles foster rats (140-160 g) were randomly assigned into three groups. Group I (n = 6) - Control, Group II (n = 6) - SCEE control was administrated with 600 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 60 days and the last Group III (n = 24) was As-treated at 8 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 90 days. Subsequently, Group III was further divided into three subgroups. The subgroup I (n = 6) was immediately sacrificed to observe the arsenic-induced toxicity. Subgroup II (n = 6) was kept on a normal diet for 60 days for auto recovery. Subgroup III (n = 6) was administrated orally by SCEE at 600 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 60 days to decipher the therapeutic potential against arsenic-induced toxicity. The experimental exposure reveals various changes in biochemical parameters of the liver function test and kidney function test in addition to histopathological studies. Chronic exposure to arsenic significantly (p < 0.0001) increased the levels of lipid peroxidation along with significantly reducing the activity of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Significant (p < 0.0001) arsenic accumulation was observed in the hepatic-nephron tissues. The dose-dependent SCEE administration against Astoxicity had progressive survival benefits on antioxidant levels, enzymatic activities and histopathological changes. Thus, the study concludes that S.cumini seed has a protective effect against As-induced oxidative stress and hepato-renal intoxication.