Ameliorative Potentials of Yoyo Bitters and Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera in Arsenite Induced Inflammatory Dysfunctions in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The use of alternative therapy to combat heavy metal intoxications has emerged recently, due to scientific evidences indicating superior efficacy in the use of botanicals that possess high antioxidative capabilities with or without dimercaprol or succimer in treating heavy metal intoxication.

Methods: To investigate the amelioration potentials of yoyo bitters and Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract in arsenite induced health perturbations, 100 ppm of arsenite, M. oleifera and yoyo bitters at respective doses of 250 mg/kg and 0.308 ml/kg body weight were administered to rats. Parameters such as reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde, protein thiol, nitric oxide, s-glutathionylated protein, prealbumin, cortisol, carbon clearance, zinc sulphate turbidity, neutrophil adhesion, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leukocyte analyses were determined.

Results: Administrations of arsenite and herbal supplements reduced the body weights in the rats (p<0.05), altered the oxidant-antioxidant activities by enhanced oxidative activities (p<0.05), and triggered chronic inflammatory responses that were ameliorated by the administration of yoyo bitters (0.308 ml/kg body weight) and Moringa oleifera (250 mg/kg body weight) especially when combined (p<0.05). Paradoxically, leukocyte counts were increased (p<0.05) in the herbal supplement treated rats compared to the untreated arsenite administered rats, but the phagocytic capabilities were all reduced (p<0.05). The herbal supplement did not prevent the assimilation of arsenic in the organs, but rather reduced the assimilations.

Conclusion: Our study indicated that yoyo bitters and Moringa oleifera singly or combined can ameliorate some health perturbations precipitated through arsenite intoxication, but the avoidance of the repeated exposures to arsenic contaminated environment and food substances is recommended.