Biochemical, Morphological and Molecular Assessments of Flavonoids of Phoenix dactylifera L. Following Exposure to Inorganic Mercury on the Liver of Wistar Rats.

Abstract Introduction: Mercury is a highly toxic metal that exerts adverse effects on humans and animals. Date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) is used in folk medicine to treat fever, and inflammation, among others. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phoenix dactylifera on mercury-induced kidney damage in Wistar rats. Design: 45 male rats (80–125g) were divided into nine groups (I-XI). Group 1 received 1mg/kg of distilled water, group II received mercury chloride (HgCl 2 ) at 5 mg/kg; group III was pretreated with100 mg/kg of silymarin followed by 5 mg/kg of HgCl 2 ; groups IV and V were pretreated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera (AFPD) respectively, followed by 5 mg/kg of HgCl 2 ; groups VI and VII were pretreated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of ethanol extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. (EFPD) respectively, followed by 5 mg/kg of HgCl 2 while group VIII and IX received 1000 mg/kg of AFPD and EFPD respectively. After two weeks of oral administration, the animals were sacrificed and the blood and kidney tissue were collected for analyses. Results The present study showed that MDA significantly increased in HgCl 2 group when compared to control while histological and histochemical changes in the kidney revealed severe degenerative changes. AFPD and EFPD extracts restored serum enzymes, electrolytes and antioxidant enzymes activity with significant increase in SOD activity in the AFPD (high dose) when compared to the HgCl 2 treated group. This indicates some level of protection against HgCl 2 -induced changes in the kidneys of Wistar rats. The protective activity of the AFPD and EFPD may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, tannins etc. Conclusion The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phoenix dactylifera are potential candidates for the management and treatment of ROS-induced kidney diseases.