Protective Effect of Cinnamon Aqueous Extract on Cypermethrin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid with potent insecticidal property. Cinnamon is one of the oldest medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. The present work was carried out to evaluate the effect of cinnamon aqueous extract on liver injury induced by the cypermethrin in albino rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups. Group 1: control, Group 2: given cinnamon (200mg/kg b.w.), Group 3: given cypermethrin at a dose level 1/10 LD₅₀ for 6 weeks, Group 4: given cypermethrin and cinnamon. Liver were obtained from these groups for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical preparations. Liver tissues of cypermethrin-treated animals showed leucocytic infiltrations, rupture of sinusoids with hemorrhages, congested blood vessels, cytoplasmic vacuolation of the hepatocytes and fatty infiltration. Histochemical results revealed depletion of carbohydrates and protein. Expression of PCNA was increased in the liver of treated rats. Biochemical results showed that cypermethrin caused elevation in ALT and AST. Treating animals with cypermethrin and cinnamon revealed an improvement in the histological, histochemical and biochemical changes with decrease in expression of PCNA. In conclusion, the administration of cinnamon aqueous extract provided significant protection against cypermethrin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats by its antioxidant effects.