The Remedial Effect of Ziziphus lotus Extract against Oxidative Stress Induced by Deltamethrin Pesticide in Rats

Djahra Ali Boutlelis; Benkaddour Mounia; Benkherara Salah; Laib Ibtissam; Benine Chaima; Chrait Sabrina

doi:10.35516/jjps.v18i2.2445

Authors

Djahra Ali Boutlelis Laboratory of Biology, Environment, and Health, Faculty of natural and life sciences, University of El Oued, Algeria.
Benkaddour Mounia Laboratory of Biology, Environment, and Health, Faculty of natural and life sciences, University of El Oued, Algeria.
Benkherara Salah Department of Biology, Faculty of natural and life sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Ghardaia, Algeria.
Laib Ibtissam Laboratory of Biology, Environment, and Health, Faculty of natural and life sciences, University of El Oued, Algeria.
Benine Chaima Laboratory of Biology, Environment, and Health, Faculty of natural and life sciences, University of El Oued, Algeria.
Chrait Sabrina Laboratory of Biology, Environment, and Health, Faculty of natural and life sciences, University of El Oued, Algeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/jjps.v18i2.2445

Keywords:

Natural products, Ziziphus lotus, Biochemical alterations, Deltamethrin, Oxidative stress

Abstract

This study investigated the antioxidant properties of natural compounds derived from the medicinal plant Ziziphus lotus, traditionally used for treating liver disorders. The research focused on its potential to mitigate biochemical alterations induced by the pesticide Deltamethrin in rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were exposed to Deltamethrin (7 μl/kg/day), after which they received aqueous extract of Ziziphus lotus at three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage. After 33 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were preserved for assessment of antioxidant activity. The extraction process yielded 20%, with a high polyphenol content of 12.04 ± 0.142 mg AGE/mL (Gallic Acid Equivalents per millilitre of extract). The DPPH assay confirmed strong antioxidant potential of the extract, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.62 ± 0.146 μg/mL. In vivo results showed that Deltamethrin exposure led to significant reductions in body weight and increases in serum levels of Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), alpha-amylase, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea (p < 0.05 vs. control), indicating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Additionally, antioxidant defence markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH) were diminished, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, reflecting enhanced lipid peroxidation. Treatment with Ziziphus lotus extract at all three doses ameliorated several liver and kidney function markers and restored body weight. The presence of bioactive secondary metabolites in the extract contributed to its significant biological activities, notably its potent antioxidant effects demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.

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