Hepatorenal Protective Effect of Lepidium sativum Seed Extract Against Sodium Nitrite Toxicity in Rabbits

الملخص

This study investigated the hepatorenal protective effects of a cold aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum (garden cress) seeds against toxicity induced by the food preservative sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) in rabbits. Over a 30-day period, sixteen animals were divided into four groups: a control group (G1), a group administered L. sativum extract alone (G2, 50 mg/kg), a group given sodium nitrite alone (G3, 30 mg/kg), and a group pre-treated with the extract before sodium nitrite (G4).The results demonstrated that sodium nitrite administration (G3) caused significant hepatorenal damage, evidenced by a marked increase in serum liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) and elevated levels of urea and creatinine, alongside a decrease in total protein, albumin, and globulin. Macroscopic examination revealed hepatic and renal atrophy and bladder enlargement. Furthermore, G3 exhibited significant hematological alterations and weight loss.In contrast, co-administration of the L. sativum extract (G4) significantly ameliorated these toxic effects, normalizing the biochemical, physiological, and hematological parameters. The group receiving the extract alone (G2) showed no adverse effects, with results comparable to the control group. It is concluded that the cold aqueous extract of L. sativum seeds possesses significant efficacy in protecting against sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity. This protective role is likely attributable to the antioxidant properties of the phytoconstituents present in the extract