Article

Protective effect of Juglans nigra on sodium arsenite-induced toxicity in rats

Solomon E. Owumi1★, Oyeronke A. Odunola1, Michael A. Gbadegesin1, Kathleen L. Nulah1★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

CORRESPONDENCE

Solomon E. Owumi

*Address for correspondence: Dr. Solomon E. Owumi, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria-200005.

seowumi@stanford.edu

Revised: 04-12-2012.

Volume 5, Issue 3 · pp. 183–188 · PUBLISHED January-March 2013 · DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.112425

View on PR original site ↗

ABSTRACT

Background Consumption of arsenic contaminated water has been implicated in metalloid- induced carcinogenesis. Dietary intake of certain plant products with chemoprotective properties may protect against the onset of diseases and promote maintenance of health. Objectives We investigated the outcome of black walnut Juglans nigra (JN) consumption on sodium arsenite (SA)-induced toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods Wister albino rats were treated as follows: Control, SA only (positive control) (2.5 mg/kg body weight), JN only (100 mg/kg weight), and JN+SA coadministered. After 5 weeks animals were sacrificed whole blood, femur, liver and testis harvested were assessed for hepatic transaminases and clastogenicity. Histology of the liver, sperm morphology and quality were also assessed. Data were analyzed (ANOVA) and expressed as means ±SD. Results SA treatment elevated hepatic transaminases level in serum (P < 0.05), induced histological changes in liver: fibroplasia and periportal hepatocytes infiltration by mononuclear cells. These changes were ameliorated by JN (P < 0.05) coadministration. SA induced micronuclei formation (P < 0.05). Again JN decreased (P < 0.05) micronuclei formation by 50%. Sperm count and motility decreased (P < 0.05) in all groups compared to control. Conclusion JN showed no protection against arsenite effect on sperm quality. Hepatoprotective and anticlastogenic effects were apparent suggesting a chemopreventive potential active against arsenite genotoxicity and chromosomal instability which have implication for metalloid-induced carcinogenesis.

KEYWORDS

Open in new tab

REFERENCES

As published

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

    Cite this article

    SELECT FORMAT

    Owumi, S. E., Odunola, O. A., Gbadegesin, M. A., & Nulah, K. L. (2013). Protective effect of Juglans nigra on sodium arsenite-induced toxicity in rats. Pharmacognosy Research, 5(3), 183–188. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.112425