ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Ameliorative Potential of Allium cepa or Quercetin on the Histology, Immunohistochemistry and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Parameters Against Potassium Bromate-induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Rats 

Background: Allium cepa has been linked to a variety of health advantages, although little is known about its hepatoprotective properties. Using biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological markers, the current study was conducted to examine the efficacy of quercetin-rich aqueous extract of Allium cepa (AEAC) against potassium bromate-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats and the probable mechanism. There are a total of 40 male Wistar rats used in this study and were equally divided into eight (8) groups. Group A: Control. Group B: potassium bromate, KBrO₃ (dissolved in water), at 30 mg/kg. Group C: Quercetin as a standard (50 mg/kg). Groups D and E: AEAC, at 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg respectively. Groups F and G: KBrO₃ plus AEAC. Group H: KBrO₃ plus quercetin. On alternate days for 90 days, all administrations were done by intubation.

Results: KBrO₃ generated a significant difference in the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and DNA fragmentation compared to the control (p 0.05). Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of liver samples revealed patterns that were comparable to those seen in enzyme biomarkers. In all cases, combining KBrO₃ with AEAC or pure quercetin attenuated the effects of KBrO₃.

Conclusion: Therefore, potassium bromate induced hepatocellular toxicity via oxidative stress while treatment with the AEAC ameliorated its effects.