Therapeutic Effects of Vernonia amygdalina on Oxidative Stress and Histopathological Damage in Pancreatic Toxicity Induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induces pancreatic oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species overproduction and antioxidant depletion. Given the rich phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Vernonia amygdalina, this study investigated its therapeutic effects in inhibiting oxidative stress and histopathological damage induced by DMH in Wistar rats.

METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into different groups and exposed to DMH via the intraperitoneal route. Animals received oral administration of V. amygdalina ethanol extract at low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses, both before and after DMH exposure. The pancreatic tissues were then subjected to biochemical analysis and histopathological examination using standardized protocols.

RESULTS: The administration of V. amygdalina significantly attenuated body weight loss in both the pre- and post-treatment groups. Furthermore, it significantly improved (p < 0.05) the levels of total protein, amylase, nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione reductase and reduced GSH percentages compared to the DMH group. The pancreatic tissues from DMH-induced rats treated with V. amygdalina showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in organ weight compared to the DMH group. Histological studies revealed the protective and regenerative effects of V. amygdalina on pancreatic tissues.

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that V. amygdalina can effectively suppress irregularities in pancreatic function and oxidative stress induced by DMH toxicity due to its antioxidant properties. This observation implies that V. amygdalina holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving DMH systemic toxicity in animal models and could serve as a benchmark for future clinical trials.