Ameliorative potential of mustard greens (Brassica juncea) leaf extract on aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity: An in vivo study in rats.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Brassica juncea (BJ) leaves methanol extract against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced toxicity in rats. Thirty-six male albino rats, six weeks old (weighing 140-190 g), were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n=6). AFB1 (200 μg/kg b.w., orally) was given to rats on alternate days and Brassica juncea extract (BJE) (300 and 600 mg/kg b.w., orally) in combination with AFB1 on successive days for 28 days. AFB1 exposure significantly elevated hepatic and kidney function parameters. Moreover, AFB1 markedly reduced antioxidant enzymes, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and altered the gene expression of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene and the caspase-3 gene, promoting redox stress and apoptosis. Co-administration of silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) and BJE (300 and 600 mg/kg b.w.) significantly restored the liver. lung and kidney tissue biochemical markers, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Additionally, BJE significantly ameliorated the mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance and tissue damage caused by AFB1. BJE significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2 gene while downregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Therefore, the results clearly indicate that BJ could potentially alleviate AFB1-induced toxicity due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties.