Protective effects of Adansonia digitata extract on acetaminophen-induced hepato-renal injury in rats

D. W. Salih; S. M. Fanar

doi:10.15421/0225145

D. W. Salih Tikrit University
S. M. Fanar Tikrit University

Keywords: Adansonia digitata, hepatoprotection, nephroprotection, acetaminophen toxicity, oxidative stress, antioxidant therapy, female albino rats.

Abstract

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose is a well-established cause of hepatic and renal toxicity due to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Adansonia digitata ( baobab ) pulp is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used for various thera peutic purposes. Aims of this article – t o estimate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of A . digitata pulp extract against acetaminophen-induced liver and kidney injury in female albino rats. Forty adult female rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control), Group II (acetaminophen 500 mg/kg i.p. every day for 7 days), Group III ( A. digitata extract 500 mg/kg/day orally for 15 days), and Group IV (co-treatment with acetaminophen and A. digitata extract). Liver and kidney functions were assessed through (ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, and urea) markers, oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, TAOS), and histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. Acetaminophen caused a significant increase in liver enzymes, creatinine, urea, and MDA levels, along with marked diminution of GSH, SOD, and TAOS, indicating hepatic and renal oxidative damage. Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, revealing hepatocellular necrosis and renal tubular degeneration. Rats treated with A. digitata extract alone maintained near-normal biochemical and histological profiles. Co-treatment with the extract significantly ameliorated acetaminophen-induced alterations, though not to control levels, suggesting partial protective effects. The findings show that the pulp extract of A . digitata has protective effects on the liver and kidneys due, to its antioxidant prope r ties. This highlights its promise as a natural therapeutic candidate for mitigating acetaminophen-induced organ toxicity.

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