Can <i>Cyperus esculentus</i> ameliorate lung damage? Preliminary histological assessment in arsenic trioxide induced Wistar rats

Inhalation of metal particles or fumes can be toxic and cause various health problems. Prolonged exposure to metal inhalation can lead to many respiratory issues. This study investigated the protective effects of ethanol tuber extract of Cyperus esculentus (ETECE) against arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced lung damage in Wistar rats. A total of 49 Wistar rats (n=7), weighing 190-210g, were randomly assigned to seven groups (all groups received feed and administration): Group A (control): received 1ml of distilled water, Group B: received 10 mg/kg body weight of ATO only, Group C: received 200 mg/kg body weight of ETECE + ATO, Group D: received 400 mg/kg body weight of ETECE + ATO, Groups E and F received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of ETECE respectively, and Group G: received ATO + 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C. Administration lasted for 60 days, after which the animals were humanely sacrificed. The lungs were meticulously harvested, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and then processed for histological examination using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Histopathological examination revealed that exposure to ATO induced significant pulmonary damage, characterized by interstitial infiltrates of inflammatory cells, congestion, severe bronchiolar ulceration, and vascular ulceration. Conversely, treatment with escalating doses of ETECE remarkably attenuated these detrimental effects. Notably, ETECE demonstrated a comparable protective effect to that of Vitamin C, a well-established antioxidant. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that ETECE exhibits mitigating effects against ATO-induced lung damage in Wistar rats, thereby underscoring its potential as a pulmonoprotective substance.