Curcumin and quercetin can ameliorate arsenic and smokeless tobacco induced reproductive toxicity in female mice

Arsenic contamination of ground water is a global problem. Consumption of smokeless tobacco called '<i>sadagura</i>' is a common lifestyle practice in Assam, India. As a result, the population is more vulnerable to health outcomes with regard to female reproductive anomalies. Phytochemicals are abundant in antioxidants, the current study examined the protective effects of quercetin (Qc) and curcumin (Cur) against the toxicity caused by smokeless tobacco and arsenic. Female Swiss albino mice (<i>N</i> = 66) were randomly divided into eleven different groups viz., Control, Positive control (DMSO), Sodium arsenite (SA), <i>Sadagura</i>(SG), SA+SG, SA+Qc, SG+Qc, SA+SG+Qc, SA+Cur, SG+Cur, and SA+SG+Cur. Estrous cycle; ovarian and uterine histopathological changes were recorded. Utilizing the comet assay, the DNA damage of tissues was examined, and biochemical analysis was performed to determine oxidative stress level. The study of estrous cycle showed that changes in different phases of estrous cycle was altered by both As and SG exposure. However, Qc and Cur exposure showed a significant notable recovery. It was observed that Qc and Cur lowered the DNA damage induced by As and SG. Histological examinations showed abnormal tissue architecture in mice treated with SG and SA that is restored by administration of curcumin and quercetin. In contrast to As and SG treatment, quercetin and curcumin supplementation significantly increased GSH and SOD activity in experimental mice. According to the current study, curcumin and quercetin lowered the induced oxidative stress. Therefore, these phytochemicals can act as a protective mediator against the female reproductive toxicity caused by smokeless tobacco and arsenic coexposure.