The aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive (P) and curative (C) effect of Atriplex halimus L. (Ah) extract against benzene (BZ) and sodium benzoate (SB) induced toxicity in rats.
48 male Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups of 6 rats each: Control, Ah, BZ, SB, AhP+BZ, AhP+SB, BZ+AhC, and SB+AhC. BZ and SB (100 mg/kg b.w) were added in drinking water for 15 weeks. Aqueous extract of aerial parts of Atriplex halimus was received intragastrically during the last 30 days of BZ and SB exposure for curative treatment (AhC) and all the duration of BZ and SB exposure for preventive treatment (AhP).
Results of qualitative phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of A. halimus revealed the presence of a wide number of bioactive compounds. Then, quantitative analysis showed high contents of total phenolic and saponin in Ah extract (17.183 mg GA/g, 43.36 mg DO/g). HPLC-MS data revealed the presence of 12 phenolic acid and flavonoids and 7 vitamins. In addition, the acute toxicity test of Ah showed no mortality or behavioural change up to 5000 mg/kg in rats.
Concerning results of the pharmacological effect, administration of benzene and sodium benzoate to rats caused an alteration in physiological parameters (body and organs weight), haematological and immunological functions, hepatic enzymes markers (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH), kidneys function (urea, creatinine and protein). These changes were accompanied by decreasing in antioxidant defence (GSH, CAT and GST) and increasing in MDA levels. Benzene and hydroquinone were detected in fat and bone marrow samples of BZ and SB intoxicated-rats. Histopathological studies showed a massive degeneration in bone marrow, liver and kidney tissues in BZ and to a lesser extent in SB-exposed rats. However, treatment with Atriplex halimus ameliorated most of the adverse effects of benzene and Sodium benzoate. Ah restored the altered of haematological, biochemical, histopathological, oxidative stress markers as well as reversed leukopenia, ultimately reducing benzene accumulation.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Atriplex halimus has a preventive and curative effect against BZ and SB-induced organs injuries and oxidative stress.