Ameliorative Impact of Asparagus officinalis on Hepatosplenic Toxicity Induced by Monosodium Glutamate in Male Albino Mice

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the capability of Asparagus officinalis (AOE) to ameliorate hepatosplenic toxicity induced by food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). Materials and Methods: Forty healthy Albino male mice were segregated into four groups; first group took clean water and played as control, second group was treated orally and daily with 500 mg/kg of AOE for 4 weeks, third group received orally and daily 30 mg/kg of MSG for 4 weeks, and fourth group received AOE 1 h before receiving MSG as described previously for 4 weeks. Results: MSG treatment caused a significant increase in white blood cell count, decrease in red blood cell count and HB. Biochemical analysis revealed disturbance of liver enzymes, lipid profile, and kidney biomarkers, besides significant raising of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and lowering of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione). Histopathological examination showed marked alterations in the liver as degeneration of hepatocytes and accumulation of infiltrative cells besides hyaline degeneration in spleen. Immunohistochemical analysis exhibited a high incidence of Nr-f2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expressions referring to intense oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, treatment with AOE before MSG administration with 1 h resulted in modulation of all disturbed previous biochemical domains. Histopathological analysis showed a marked reduction of liver and spleen alterations; also, immunohistochemical analysis displayed less expression of Nr-f2 and TNF-α, indicating a reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: The present work concluded that AOE could reduce the hepatosplenic toxicity induced by MSG attributed to its rich content of bioactive components such as saponins, flavonoids, and Vitamin C.