Nutritional Studies on Okra Pods and Leaves Extract as Antiagents to toxified Rats Induced by Potassium Dichromate

Authors

Nutrition and Food Science Department, Faculty of Home Economics Al-Azhar University, Tanta.

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) compounds are potent toxicants commonly used in numerous industries. Thus, potential toxic effects and health hazards are of high relevance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of okra pods and leaves extract on hepatotoxicity induced by potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in male albino rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats Sprague Dawley strain weighing (150± 10g) were divided into two main groups: the first group (6 rats) was fed on basal diet as negative control group. The second (30 rats) group were fed on basal diet and received K2Cr2O7 at 8 mg/kg b.w. by oral gavage for a period of 28 days to induce hepatotoxicity. The second main group was divided into 5 subgroups as follows: the first group was fed on basal diet only (as a positive control group). The second and third were fed on basal diet and okra pods ethanolic extract (OPEE) orally (200 and 400 kg b.w. respectively). The fourth and fifth were fed on basal diet and okra leaves ethanolic extract (50 and 100mg/kg b.w. respectively) orally for 28 days. Administration of (K2Cr2O7)  resulted in increased levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (T.BIL), direct bilirubin (D.BIL), total protein, albumin, globulin and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. It also decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly in the liver tissue. On the other hand, administration of okra pods & leaves extract at high doses (400 & 100 mg/kg/b.w.) with potassium dichromate, improved the hepatotoxicity, liver functions enzymes and antioxidant enzymes. This might be due to their possible antioxidant content.
 
 

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