Modulatory Role of Kolaviron (KV), a Biflavonoid from Garcinia kola, in Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Haematotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Arsenic acid (NaAsO₂) is an environmental pollutant that is widely distributed in air, water and soil. Exposure to this silent killer in drinking water has posed a major health threat to both developing and developed countries of the world. The use of phytochemicals has gained acceptance in the recent years. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the chemopreventive effect of Kolaviron, a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed on NaAsO₂ induced hepatoxicity and haematotoxicity. Rats were pre-treated with KV (100&amp;200mg/kg) for 7 days prior to NaAsO₂ (10mg/kg; i.p.) intoxication on day 8. Complete blood counts (CBC), liver function tests, hepatic antioxidant, markers of oxidative stress and histological sections of the liver were assessed. NaAsO₂ intoxication caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Also, the hepatic catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were significantly (p<0.05) reduced whereas markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were also severely (p<0.05) elevated. NaAsO₂ intoxication caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) counts and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. KV pre-treatment significantly suppressed markers of oxidative stress and prevented the depletion of antioxidant defence system. Normochromic normocytic anaemia precipitated by NaAsO₂ intoxication was attenuated by KV administration. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue injury mediated by arsenic was ameliorated by KV pre-treatment. It was concluded that KV may represent a potential drug candidate to protect against liver damage and other detrimental effects of arsenic toxicity.