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Opuntia ficus indica extract protects against chlorpyrifos-induced damage on mice liver
Saida Ncibi1, Mahmoud Ben Othman, Amira Akacha
1Unité de recherche de biochimie macromoléculaire et génétique, Faculté des sciences de Gafsa, cité Zarroug 2112 Gafsa, Tunisie. ncibi_s@yahoo.fr
Abstract:
This original study investigates the role of Opuntia ficus indica (cactus) cladodes extract against liver damage induced in male SWISS mice by an organophosphorous insecticide, the chlorpyrifos (CPF). Liver damage was evaluated by the measure of its weight and the quantification of some biochemical parameters, such as alanine amino transferase (ALAT), aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), phosphatase alkaline (PAL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cholesterol and albumin in serum by spectrophotometric techniques. The experimental approach lasted 48 h and consisted of 6 treatments of six mice each one; (1) control, (2) 10 mg/kg (b.w) CPF, (3) 10mg/kg (b.w) CPF with 100 mg/kg (b.w) cactus, (4) 150 mg/kg (b.w)CPF, (5) 150 mg/kg (b.w) CPF with 1.5 g/kg cactus, (6) 1.5 g/kg cactus. Both chlorpyrifos and cactus were administrated orally via gavages. Our results showed that CPF affects significantly all parameters studied. However, when this pesticide was administrated associated to cactus, we noticed a recovery of all their levels. In the other hand, cactus alone did not affect the studied parameters. These results allow us to conclude firstly that CPF is hepatotoxic and secondly that Opuntia ficus indica stem extract protects the liver and decreases the toxicity induced by this organophosphorous pesticide.
Insights
Opuntia ficus indica cactus extract protected mice livers from chlorpyrifos (CPF) pesticide damage. Cactus alone did not affect liver parameters, showing its protective role against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Organophosphorous insecticides like chlorpyrifos (CPF) pose a significant health risk, particularly to the liver.
- Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear cactus) is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, but its protective effects against pesticide-induced liver damage require scientific investigation.
- Understanding the hepatoprotective potential of natural compounds is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies against chemical toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Opuntia ficus indica cladode extract in mitigating liver damage induced by chlorpyrifos (CPF) in male SWISS mice.
- To evaluate the impact of CPF and Opuntia ficus indica extract on key liver biochemical markers and overall liver health.
- To determine if Opuntia ficus indica extract possesses inherent hepatotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male SWISS mice were exposed to varying doses of CPF (10 and 150 mg/kg body weight) and Opuntia ficus indica extract (100 mg/kg or 1.5 g/kg body weight) orally for 48 hours.
- Liver damage was assessed by measuring liver weight and quantifying serum biochemical parameters: alanine amino transferase (ALAT), aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cholesterol, and albumin using spectrophotometric techniques.
- Control groups received either no treatment, CPF only, cactus extract only, or a combination of CPF and cactus extract.
Main Results:
- Chlorpyrifos (CPF) administration significantly altered all measured liver parameters, indicating dose-dependent hepatotoxicity.
- Co-administration of Opuntia ficus indica extract with CPF resulted in a significant recovery of all biochemical parameters towards normal levels.
- Opuntia ficus indica extract administered alone did not induce any significant changes in the studied liver parameters, suggesting a lack of inherent toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is confirmed to be hepatotoxic, causing significant damage to the liver in male SWISS mice.
- Opuntia ficus indica stem extract demonstrates significant hepatoprotective properties, effectively reducing CPF-induced liver toxicity.
- The findings support the potential of Opuntia ficus indica as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating organophosphorous pesticide-induced liver damage.