Cactus and papaya juices protect against chlorpyrifos toxicity in rats.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Protective effects of cactus and/or papaya juices against hepatic and testicular toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in albino rats
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Dr. Huda E. Mogahed, Amira Abd El-Rhman, Nora M. El-Sheikh and Heba Barakat
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Protective effects of cactus and/or papaya juices against hepatic and testicular toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in albino rats
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201911-15955
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Pesticide poisoning remains a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in developing regions where agricultural practices often involve heavy exposure to harmful chemicals. Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos, are widely used but pose serious risks to human and animal health. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of cactus and papaya juices against liver and testicular toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in Sprague-Dawley albino rats. The findings suggest a potential natural remedy using these juices to mitigate oxidative stress and biochemical alterations caused by pesticide exposure.
Protective Effects of Cactus and Papaya Juices
One key finding of the study is the ability of cactus and papaya juices to significantly reduce the adverse effects induced by chlorpyrifos. The oral administration of chlorpyrifos at a dose of 6 mg/kg for 28 days led to increased DNA fragmentation, elevated levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and altered hormonal levels in the rats. However, co-administration of cactus juice, papaya juice, or a combination of both resulted in a decrease in DNA damage and improved liver enzyme activity, thereby indicating a protective effect against chlorpyrifos toxicity.
Impact on Biochemical and Hormonal Parameters
The study demonstrated that exposure to chlorpyrifos significantly affected various biochemical and hormonal parameters. The intoxicated rats exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and oxidative stress indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, treatment with cactus and papaya juices led to a notable reduction in these inflammatory markers and resulted in restored levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone. The restoration of these hormones suggests that the juices may have a positive influence on reproductive health, counteracting the negative effects of chlorpyrifos.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The protective mechanisms of cactus and papaya juices can be attributed to their rich composition of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Both juices contain significant levels of phenolics and flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The consumption of these juices facilitated a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which are crucial for liver and testicular health. The experimental results indicated that with the addition of these juices, the rats showed reduced signs of apoptosis (programmed cell death) and improved cellular integrity, thus enhancing overall biological functions compromised by chlorpyrifos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the potential of cactus and papaya juices as protective agents against the toxic effects induced by chlorpyrifos. The consumption of these natural juices not only mitigated oxidative stress and inflammation but also restored biochemical and hormonal balance in the affected rats. This research highlights the importance of exploring natural remedies for counteracting pesticide toxicity and encourages further investigations into the mechanisms underlying these protective effects. The results advocate for the inclusion of antioxidant-rich foods in diets, especially for those exposed to harmful pesticides.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on cactus and papaya juices?
The study evaluated the protective effects of cactus and/or papaya juices against liver and testicular toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in albino rats.
How were the rats treated in this study?
A total of sixty albino rats were divided into five groups, with one group receiving chlorpyrifos and others receiving cactus, papaya juices, or both alongside chlorpyrifos for 28 days.
What effects did chlorpyrifos have on the rats?
Chlorpyrifos caused significant increases in DNA fragmentation, liver enzymes, inflammation markers, and hormonal imbalances, indicating hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity.
How did cactus and papaya juices affect the results?
Cactus and papaya juices significantly mitigated the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos, improving enzyme activities, hormone levels, and reducing DNA fragmentation in both the liver and testes.
What bioactive components were found in cactus and papaya juices?
GC-MS analysis identified phenolic compounds like caffeic acid, flavonoids such as quercetin, and various antioxidants in both cactus and papaya juices.
What conclusions were drawn from the study?
The study concluded that cactus and/or papaya juices have protective effects against chlorpyrifos toxicity, positively influencing biochemical markers in the liver and testes of treated rats.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cactus and papaya juices protect against chlorpyrifos toxicity in rats.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological effects induced by substances or compounds, such as enzyme activity, antioxidant action, or metabolic processes. In the context of the study, activity is associated with how cactus and papaya juices mitigate toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos, highlighting the importance of these juices in countering harmful effects on liver and testes functions.
2) Table:
Table refers to a method of organizing and presenting data systematically. In this document, tables summarize experimental results, such as the impact of cactus and papaya juices on various health parameters in rats. Tables facilitate easy comparison and analysis of findings, making complex data more accessible and understandable.
3) Relative:
Relative emphasizes the comparison between entities. The term 'relative' in this study pertains to organ weights and biochemical markers, showcasing changes when comparing chlorpyrifos-intoxicated rats to healthy controls. Understanding relative changes is crucial for assessing the extent of toxicity and the protective effects of natural substances like cactus and papaya juices.
4) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the comprehensive investigation conducted to explore the effects of cactus and papaya juices against chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in rats. It details methodologies, experimental designs, and outcomes, aiming to contribute to scientific knowledge regarding natural remedies and their potential health benefits, particularly in toxicology.
5) Toxicity:
Toxicity describes the degree to which a substance can cause harm to organisms. The study focuses on chlorpyrifos's toxicity effects on liver and testes in rats. Understanding toxicity is vital for identifying harmful substances and developing effective strategies, such as using dietary supplements like cactus and papaya juices, to counteract these harmful impacts.
6) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties against various diseases. In the context of this research, flavonoids present in cactus and papaya are highlighted for their potential to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by toxic agents like chlorpyrifos, showcasing their health-promoting benefits.
7) Food:
Food encompasses the substances consumed to provide nutritional support to the body. In this study, the focus on dietary juices derived from cactus and papaya underscores the potential health impacts of functional foods on mitigating toxicity. Exploring the role of food in health, particularly natural foods, reveals pathways for prevention and recovery.
8) Pesticide:
Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill pests, including chlorpyrifos, a common organophosphate pesticide. The study examines the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on rats and investigates natural juices as protective agents against pesticide-related harm. Understanding the impact of pesticides on health and ecosystems is essential for improving agricultural practices and food safety.
9) Diet:
Diet refers to the regular intake of food that significantly influences health outcomes. The study emphasizes the role of specific dietary juices from cactus and papaya in protecting against toxicity. A balanced diet incorporating protective foods can be pivotal in preventing chronic diseases and mitigating the adverse effects of harmful substances.
10) Animal:
Animal signifies a broader category of living organisms, often utilized in scientific research for biomedical studies, including toxicity assessments. The context highlights the importance of animal studies (like those with rats) in understanding human health implications, regulatory safety for chemicals, and the effectiveness of natural protective agents.
11) Egypt:
Egypt is a country in northeastern Africa, serving as the research's geographic location. The origin of the cactus and papaya utilized in the study is relevant for context, as local climatic and ecological conditions can influence the nutritional composition of plants. Additionally, understanding regional agriculture can inform public health strategies.
12) Rich (Rch):
Rich describes a high abundance or concentration of certain nutrients or beneficial compounds in food. In the study, cactus and papaya juices are identified as rich sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants, which can have significant positive health effects. This nutrient richness reinforces the importance of these fruits in dietary interventions against toxicity.
13) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The study briefly discusses the potential cancer-preventive properties of antioxidant-rich foods like cactus and papaya due to their phytochemical content. Understanding these properties can guide dietary recommendations in cancer prevention and overall health maintenance.
14) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. The study includes blood samples to analyze biochemical markers affected by chlorpyrifos toxicity and its relation to liver and testicular damage, highlighting the importance of blood tests in evaluating health status and disease progression.
15) Hand:
Hand refers to the anatomical part associated with manipulation and grasping. In this context, hand may inadvertently relate to manual tasks in experimental setups, such as administering treatments or collecting samples. It underscores the involvement of human effort in conducting scientific experiments and ensuring accurate research methodologies.
16) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often associated with tissue damage and diseases. The study evaluates inflammation markers influenced by chlorpyrifos exposure and how cactus and papaya juices help mitigate these inflammatory responses, revealing the relationship between diet and inflammation in combating health risks.
17) Family:
Family refers to a group of related organisms or compounds in taxonomy. In the study, cactus and papaya belong to specific botanical families associated with various beneficial properties. Recognizing the familial relationships within plant species helps identify potential health benefits and guides selection for nutritional and medicinal applications.
18) Male:
Male specifies the sex of the rats utilized in the study, focusing on male reproductive health as influenced by chlorpyrifos toxicity and dietary interventions. Understanding sex-specific responses in toxicology can inform targeted health strategies and enhance knowledge regarding reproductive health in both animals and humans.
19) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced by plants, known for their health-promoting properties. The research highlights specific phytochemicals found in cactus and papaya, emphasizing their roles in antioxidant defense and possible protective mechanisms against pesticide toxicity. Investigating phytochemicals contributes to understanding dietary strategies for improving health outcomes.
20) Agriculture:
Agriculture encompasses the practice of cultivating plants and livestock for food, fiber, and other products. The study addresses the impact of agricultural practices, particularly pesticide use, on health, reinforcing the necessity for integrating safe and sustainable agricultural methods to protect both consumers and the environment from chemical exposures.
21) Developing:
Developing usually relates to emerging economies or regions, specifically regarding agricultural practices, health challenges, and socio-economic factors. In this study, it implies the significance of addressing pesticide exposure and health risks in developing areas, advocating for safer practices and the use of natural remedies to improve community health.
22) Education:
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values. The study's findings contribute to educational discourse on public health, environmental science, and nutrition. Informing the community about the benefits of consuming protective foods such as cactus and papaya can enhance awareness and foster healthier lifestyle choices.
23) Disease:
Disease denotes any abnormal condition affecting the body and encompasses a wide range of health issues. The focus on diseases in relation to pesticide exposure in this study highlights the significance of understanding the links between environmental toxins and health, promoting research for better prevention and treatment strategies.
24) Species:
Species refer to distinct groups of organisms that can interbreed. In the study, the specific species of rats used as models (Sprague-Dawley) are highlighted for their relevance in biomedical research. Understanding species-specific responses helps draw conclusions regarding human health and the relevance of experimental outcomes to broader biological phenomena.
25) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The study exemplifies scientific inquiry in examining the effects of natural substances on toxicity, illustrating how scientific methods can yield insights into health benefits of dietary practices and advancements in toxicology.
26) Beta:
Beta often denotes a specific classification or variant of compounds, such as beta-carotene, known for its antioxidant properties. This study may reference beta compounds found in plant extracts as beneficial in combating oxidative stress and promoting overall health, reiterating the importance of dietary antioxidants in human nutrition.
27) Sam (Sham):
Sham indicates a control setting that mimics experimental conditions without active treatment, allowing researchers to distinguish actual effects from placebo outcomes. In this study, sham-treated groups are relevant for assessing the effectiveness of cactus and papaya juices in preventing chlorpyrifos toxicity, providing a comparative baseline for measurements.
28) Ripe:
Ripe denotes fruits that have reached maturity, typically exhibiting enhanced flavor and nutritional value. In this context, ripe cactus and papaya are emphasized for their optimal phytochemical content, highlighting the significance of using mature fruits in the study to maximize potential health benefits and physiological effects.
29) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to agents that combat bacterial growth or infections. In the context of the study, the potential antibacterial properties of cactus and papaya may be highlighted, adding another layer of health benefits to the juices tested and suggesting possible uses in preventive health measures against infections.
30) Transmission:
Transmission typically refers to the act of passing a signal or substance from one entity to another. In this study, it relates to how chlorpyrifos affects neurotransmission, underscoring the critical impacts of chemical exposure on nerve function and the potential mitigating effects of antioxidants found in plant juices.
31) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical agents to treat cancer. While the study primarily focuses on toxicity from pesticides, mentioning chemotherapy indicates an awareness of treatment-related toxicity and the potential protective roles of dietary compounds from cactus and papaya in supporting health during such rigorous treatments.
32) Accumulation (Accumulate, Accumulating):
Accumulation implies the gradual increase or buildup of substances, which is relevant when considering the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos as it accumulates in body tissues over time. Understanding accumulation is important for assessing long-term health risks associated with pesticide exposure and developing strategies for prevention.
33) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section where the study's findings are interpreted and contextualized within the broader scientific literature. In this document, the discussion emphasizes the implications of results concerning toxicology, health interventions, and the efficacy of natural remedies, providing a platform for future research and insights.
34) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study touches on the medical relevance of using natural remedies like cactus and papaya juices as complementary strategies to combat pesticide toxicity, merging traditional knowledge with scientific inquiry to improve health outcomes.
35) Mineral:
Mineral, as a singular term, indicates specific inorganic substances that are crucial for biological processes. The presence of minerals in the studied cactus and papaya fruits enhances their health benefits, supporting the idea that these natural dietary components contribute positively to mitigating toxicity and enhancing physiological functions.
36) Company:
Company generally refers to a business entity. In this context, it might relate indirectly to where products or chemicals, like pesticides, are sourced from. Understanding the role of companies - in agriculture and health - helps contextualize the discussion around pesticide regulations and the impact of commercial practices on public health.
37) Muslin:
Muslin is a lightweight cotton fabric used in various applications, including food preparation. In this study, muslin cloth may be mentioned in the context of filtering and preparing juices, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and proper methods in extracting nutrients from fruits for accurate experimental results.
38) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma could refer to a researcher or author contributing to the broader scientific discourse surrounding toxicity, health, and nutrition. Mentioning an expert emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific inquiries, acknowledging previous works and studies that support the current research context.
39) Purity:
Purity refers to the quality of being free from contaminants or impurities. In the context of the study, the purity of chemicals and juices used is crucial for obtaining accurate results, ensuring that the biochemical analyses reflect genuine biological responses to treatments without interference from extraneous substances.
40) Amira:
Amira could refer to one of the authors or contributors in the study, representing collaboration in research. Acknowledging individual contributions highlights the importance of teamwork in scientific exploration and emphasizes the multifaceted approach necessary for investigating complex health and medical issues.
41) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma pertains to the characteristic scent of plants or foods, often associated with flavor and sensory experiences. In the context of the study, mentioning the aroma of cactus and papaya could be used to underscore the sensory properties that enhance their appeal as food sources, indicating their multifaceted benefits.
42) Water:
Water is essential for life and serves as a solvent in many biological processes. Within the study, the role of water may be inherent to discussing the proper extraction processes for juices or the hydration implications of ingesting fruits like cactus and papaya as part of a health-maintenance strategy.
43) Sugar:
Sugar refers to simple carbohydrates that provide energy. In the context of cactus and papaya, discussing sugar content highlights both the energy-providing aspect and the potential health implications, as naturally derived sugars in these fruits may be more beneficial compared to processed sugars, impacting overall health.
44) Edema (Oedema):
Edema denotes swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues. In the context of the study, it may be relevant to discuss the effects of chlorpyrifos toxicity and potential mitigating effects of cactus and papaya, which might possess anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate conditions involving edema.
45) Kuti:
Kuti may refer to a researcher who has studied the phytochemistry or health benefits of plants such as cactus. Including Kuti emphasizes the continuity of scientific inquiry, showcasing how collaborative efforts across studies contribute to a broader understanding of plant-based health interventions.
46) Tree:
Tree commonly refers to the woody perennial plant that provides various products, including fruits. In the study, the implications of dietary fruits derived from trees like papaya express the significance of incorporating natural food sources that enrich nutrition and health protective strategies against toxic exposures.
47) Line:
Line generally refers to a series or a sequence of related ideas. In the context of summarizing research findings, referring to a 'line' may serve to link different aspects of the study together, indicating a logical progression of thought that leads to comprehensive conclusions.
48) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of earth that supports plant growth. The importance of soil in agriculture relates to the cultivation of cactus and papaya and may implicitly connect to the discussion around the environmental impacts of using chemical pesticides, reinforcing the interplay between agricultural practices and soil health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cactus and papaya juices protect against chlorpyrifos toxicity in rats.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Oral administration, Antioxidant activity, Biochemical analysis, Testosterone Level, DNA fragmentation, Hepatotoxic Effect, Malondialdehyde Level, Experimental animal.