Background: Afl atoxins are potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic agents. This hepatotoxicity is thought to be mediated by their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and cause peroxidative damage. Considering the antioxidant properties of Tinospora cordifolia, this study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effi cacy of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in terms of altered biochemical, hematological, serological and histopathological parameters. Methods: Sixty male swiss albino mice were taken for post exposure therapy. Results: Afl atoxin exposure elicited a signifi cant escalation in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and depletion in reduced glutathione, protein, ascorbic acid and antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities. Chronic afl atoxin ingestion showed a signifi cant decline in total erythrocyte count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit values while total leukocyte count, platelet count and neutrophil count signifi cantly increased in the afl atoxin-treated group. The activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphate augmented signifi cantly in the serum of afl atoxin-exposed mice suggesting hepatic damage. Afl atoxin administration decreased the content of high density lipoprotein while increased the content of cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein signifi cantly. Pathological examination of the liver tissue also supported the biochemical fi ndings. However, post-exposure administration of Tinospora cordifolia root extract to the afl atoxin-treated group attenuated the deranged parameters to some extent. Conclusion: This study indicated that Tinospora cordifolia can be a protective regimen for afl atoxin toxicity.
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