Effects of exogenous vitamin C on ethanol toxicity in rats

The effect of a mega dose of ascorbic acid (200 mg/100 g body wt.) on alcohol-induced toxicity in rats was evaluated. In rats administered alcohol and ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxide and conjugated dienes decreased in comparison with that given alcohol alone. The reduced activities of scavenging enzymes, e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, in ethanol-administered rats were also enhanced by the co-administration of ascorbic acid and ethanol. Co-administration of ethanol and ascorbic acid reduced phospholipids and MDA levels of the erythrocyte membrane in comparison with that of the ethanol fed rats. The reduction in the activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and the decrease in triglycerides levels also clearly showed the protective action of ascorbic acid in reducing ethanol induced toxicity.