AMELIORATIVE POTENTIAL OF GLYCOSMIS PENTAPHYLLA (RETZ.) DC IN INDUCED ARSENICOSIS IN RATS

Abstract

Arsenic poisoning is one of the major causes of chronic human illness and mortality in Bengal Delta plain with limited treatment options.The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Glycosmis pentaphylla (Rutaceae) leaf  extract against sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) induced toxicity. Forty eight adult albino rats were  divided into four groups viz.,G₀,G₁,G₂ and G₃.Sodium arsenite was administered @ 4mg/kg daily in drinking water in groups G₁, G₂ and G₃ for 90 days; the control group(G₀) received water   for 120 days.The G₁ group of animals received water, instead of arsenic during 91-120 days , while rats of group G₂ and G₃ were orally treated with plant leaf extract  at 320 mg/kg (¹/₁₀^th LD₅₀) and 160 mg/kg (¹/₂₀^th LD₅₀) respectively daily during the period. Analysis of arsenic concentrations in tissue samples,hair and faeces showed that treatment with G. pentaphylla leaf extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced arsenic accumulation in tissues, hair and in faeces. A significantly (p<0.05) higher organo-arsenic fraction and lower arsenite and arsenate fraction was also observed in G. pentaphylla leaf extract treated group(G₂ &G3). The study showed that oral treatment with G.pentaphylla leaf extract could ameliorate induced arsenicosis.