Keywords
Hepatotoxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Flavonoid complex
Antioxidant
Oxidative/Nitrosative stress
Abstract
Introduction: Flavonoids are a class of polyphenols
that are widely available in plant being part of the
four main classes of polyphenols. They possess strong
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer
properties. The effects of flavonoid on sodium
arsenite-induced hepatorenal toxicity was therefore
investigated.
Methods: Twenty-four adult (160 ± 20g) male Wistar
rats were randomly divided into four groups (A-D),
with six rats per group. Group A (negative control)
received distilled water; Group B received sodium
arsenite (SA) only; Group C received flavonoid
complex (FL) only and Group D initially received
flavonoid complex and later received sodium arsenite
every other day. SA was administered at 5mg/kg and
FL at 10mg/kg, all treatments were for fourteen days.
Results: Arsenic exposure resulted in significant
reduction (P<0.05) in in total protein, percentage body
and relative liver weights. Biochemical alterations in
ALT, AST, ALP activities, urea and creatinine levels
in the blood were significantly decreased.
Furthermore, a reduction in GSH level, GST and CAT
activities in the arsenic exposed group were also
significant. The LPO and NO levels were also
increased significantly. FL significantly restored the
hepatorenal parameters and promoted hepatocytes
and renal cells regeneration.
Conclusion: The present study indicates that
flavonoid complex is protective against hepatorenal
toxicities induced by sodium arsenite in Wistar rats.
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