Ameliorative effect of Withania somnifera and Allium sativum on ochratoxin a induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

We have evaluated the ameliorative effects ethanolic extracts of Allium sativum bulb (20 mg/kg, bw) and Withania somnifera root (100 mg/kg, bw) through oral gavage on Ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced toxicity in rats. The protective effects were assessed through estimation of antioxidants defensive systems and histopathological alteration in rat brain after OTA (2 mg/kg) was given in feed to rats. A total of 120 rats were randomly divided into eight groups of 15 animals each, for 9 weeks and 5 animals each were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 9 weeks intervals. The brain was isolated, blotted free of blood and processed for biochemical and histopathological analysis. OTA cause significant increase of lipid peroxidation level and decrease of total and reduced glutathione levels. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase were significantly decrease in OTA treated rats with histological alteration such as neuronal degeneration, increased perineuronal spaces and oedema of neuropil. After alcoholic extracts administration, the activities of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants levels were significantly increased and histopathological changes were significantly decreased. These results suggest that OTA may cause oxidative damage to brain and alcoholic extracts of W. somnifera and A. sativum may protect the OTA-mediated neurotoxicity by its ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and replenishing the GSH levels.