Antioxidative properties of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) extracts protects against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative damage in hepatorenal tissues in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Food and water serve as the primary sources of arsenic exposure, posing one of the most significant health threats related to heavy metals. Arsenic causes oxidative stress, which has many negative effects on humans. Nauclea latifolia (African peach) stem bark contains bioactive compounds with demonstrated antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties that may offer protection against heavy metal toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative damage in hepatorenal tissues. A total of 25 rats were separated into five groups, each containing five rats. Each rat received the prescribed treatment once daily for 28 days. A control group received no NaAsO₂, while a second group received 5 mg/kg NaAsO₂. The treatment groups received N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg), followed by 5 mg/kg of NaAsO₂. Results Rats administered NaAsO₂ showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels, but significant increases (p < 0.05) in proinflammatory marker (TNF-α & IL-6) levels, urea, creatinine, and liver enzyme biomarkers. Treatment with N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract and silymarin ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, and reduced levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea and liver enzyme activity. Conclusion The N. latifolia stem bark aqueous extract prevented histological hepatic steatosis and renal cytoarchitecture deterioration induced by NaAsO₂ exposure. This suggests that plant extracts with antioxidant compounds like N. latifolia can mitigate liver and kidney damage from NaAsO₂ exposure, offering potential therapeutic applications for arsenic toxicity management.